Bhubaneswar: Director General of Police (DGP) Vinaytosh Mishra Friday underscored the need to scale up the use of body-worn and dashboard cameras, describing them as important tools for improving the effectiveness, transparency and accountability of police operations.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on law and order, crime control and policing in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Kataka, Mishra directed police officials to maintain heightened vigilance against possible agitations, sit-ins and gherao programmes by various organisations and make advance preparations to deal with such situations.
With the next three months coinciding with the festive season, the DGP called for special security plans to prevent crime and ensure that festivals are celebrated in a peaceful, orderly and secure environment. Mishra directed the authorities to ensure adequate deployment of police personnel at sensitive locations, strengthen crowd management and traffic regulation, and hold peace committee meetings in advance.
He also emphasised continuous coordination with local public representatives, various organisations and prominent members of different communities. The DGP asked the police to maintain round-the-clock vigilance in sensitive areas of Kataka during the festive season, take preventive measures well in advance and remain prepared to deploy additional forces whenever required.
As part of the crime-control strategy, police officials were directed to take strong legal action against habitual and organised criminals and ensure strict enforcement of the NDPS Act. Regular raids and inspections were also stressed to curb excise violations and other illegal activities.
Mishra further directed the police to strengthen the ‘Nasha Mukt Odisha Abhiyan’ and take stringent action against drug trafficking and networks involved in the illegal trade. Special attention was given to cybercrime and offences involving mule bank accounts.
Police officials were asked to identify suspicious accounts being used for criminal activities, register cases wherever necessary at Cyber and Economic Offences Police Stations, and undertake coordinated investigations to dismantle criminal networks.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the new criminal laws, the use of forensic science and scientific investigation techniques, the collection of fingerprints, and greater use of e-summons and e-sign facilities. Police infrastructure and ongoing projects in Bhubaneswar and Kataka were also reviewed.
The functioning of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) and vehicle-related arrangements came up for discussion, with the DGP stressing the need for necessary improvements. Mishra stressed the need for greater use of body-worn and dashboard cameras to enhance the effectiveness, transparency and accountability of police operations.