The Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offenses (ITSSO) was launched in 2019 to monitor police investigations of sexual assault cases and to ensure timely completion of the investigations. It is an online analytical tool that helps with tracking, monitoring, and analyzing the progress of sexual assault cases across the country. The system is currently operated by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Uttar Pradesh Records Highest Disposal Rate:
Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest disposal rate of 97.6 percent in sexual assault cases through ITSSO. Over 74,000 cases were successfully disposed of in just 5 months with an average of 56 cases being disposed of each day. The state has moved to the top position in online monitoring and tracking of cases of sexual assault from its seventh position in just five months.
Effective Use of ITSSO and Other Online Tools:
The government has taken several initiatives to enhance the safety and security of women in the country, funded by the Nirbhaya Fund. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has set up a Women Safety Division to sensitize states on women safety-related issues and to monitor the progress of various initiatives taken by the MHA. The home minister has strongly recommended the effective use of ITSSO and other online tools like National Database of Sexual Offenders (NDSO) and Crime Multi-Agency Center (Cri-MAC) to all the states.
Adjournment Alert Module and Cri-MAC: The Adjournment Alert module has been developed to ensure timely disposal of criminal cases. Whenever a government prosecutor seeks an adjournment in a criminal case more than twice, the system sends an alert to senior officers to prevent unavoidable delays. The Crime Multi-Agency Center (Cri-MAC) was introduced on 12 March 2020 for police stations and higher offices to share information on heinous crimes and other issues related to coordination in cases of inter-state crime.
New Citizen Services: The National Crime Records Bureau has launched new citizen services on its portal digitalpolicecitizenservice.gov.in for cases of Crimes against Women. These services include functionalities like ‘Missing Person Search’ and ‘Proclaimed Offenders’ to provide online information to citizens.
Nirbhaya Fund Projects: Projects funded by Nirbhaya Fund are being fast-tracked by MHA to enhance the safety and security of women. One such initiative is the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), which is a pan-India, single, internationally recognized number for various emergencies.
The government has taken several steps towards women empowerment and their safety and security. ITSSO and other online tools have been introduced to ensure timely and effective investigation of sexual assault cases. The top position of Uttar Pradesh in disposing of sexual assault cases through ITSSO is a testament to the effectiveness of the system.
