The Quality Council of India (QCI) has recently carried out a comprehensive survey of 87 selected police stations across the country. The focus of the assessment was on factors such as effectiveness in controlling crime, infrastructure, utility of technology, citizen feedback, and overall functionality of the stations. The primary objective of this exercise was to understand how these institutions live up to the SMART policing concept norms.
The Top-Ranked Police Station
Kalu Police Station, located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, emerged at the top of the rankings. The station’s excellent performance in crime prevention, investigation, solving cases, and enforcing law and order contributed to its number one position. Moreover, Kalu Police Station showcased a well-rounded approach to policing. This included community interaction, facilities for police personnel’s recreation, and a dedicated helpdesk for women. The station is also technologically advanced, featuring Wi-Fi servers.
Assessment Criteria
The most significant criteria for the rankings involved the upgradation of each station on the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) portal. The CCTNS is an essential tool for modern law enforcement, providing a centralized database for sharing crime and criminal information across various police stations and agencies. In the latest rankings, based on these criteria, fourteen police stations achieved A++ rating, twelve received A+, and eleven were placed in the A category.
The Concept of SMART Policing
SMART policing is a concept introduced by the Prime Minister at the 49th annual conference of Directors-General and Inspectors-General of Police in 2014. The acronym SMART stands for Sensitive and Strict, Modern with mobility, Alert and Accountable, Reliable and Responsive, Trained and Techno-savvy.
Characteristics of SMART Police Stations
SMART Police Stations are characterized by a set of features that are designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness. These include basic amenities for visitors such as waiting areas, toilets, drinking water, and a receptionist; facilities for police personnel like restrooms, which also have separate rooms for female constables; use of natural lighting and ventilation, solar lighting, and energy-saving measures; implementation of CCTNS, CCTV surveillance, and secure Armoury, Record Room, Communication Room for wireless, computers etc.
Automated Kiosks and Public Interaction
SMART Police Stations also utilize automated kiosks for public complaint filing, linked with a back-end system for tracking follow-up actions. This ensures an efficient feedback system, keeping the process transparent and accountable.
Policing Performance: A Snapshot
| Ranking Category | Number of Stations |
|---|---|
| A++ | 14 |
| A+ | 12 |
| A | 11 |
While the rankings provide insights into the operational standards of these police stations, they also underscore the importance of modernization and effective utilization of technology in policing. It is essential to strive for a higher benchmark for all police stations across the country, providing better service to the citizens while ensuring law and order is maintained efficiently.
