In a ground-breaking initiative that has piqued the interest of the state police, the Kochi city police have instituted a comprehensive mapping and geo-tagging system for individuals with criminal records. This pioneering approach, which has already demonstrated remarkable efficacy in curbing crime rates, is poised to be implemented state-wide. The catalyst for this initiative was the theft of over Rs 1 crore worth of jewellery from filmmaker Joshiy’s residence. The police’s swift response, leading to the arrest of the culprits within 17 hours and the recovery of all stolen items, highlighted the need for a more robust approach to crime prevention.

The first phase of this project involved creating a database of over 800 individuals with criminal histories. Deputy commissioner of police (law and order) K S Sudarshan and his team meticulously compiled detailed dossiers on each individual. Each police officer was assigned to monitor one individual from this list, ensuring focused surveillance. “This was an immense undertaking,” remarked S Syamsundar, former Kochi city police commissioner and current IG (south zone). The meticulous attention to detail ensured that the police possessed a lucid understanding of the individuals under their purview. The police also established a protocol for the periodic updating of the database, facilitating the addition or removal of individuals as needed. The database enabled the police to map the residences of these individuals utilizing Google Maps, providing real-time location tracking. Each night, control room officers would generate a random list of 35 to 40 individuals to be monitored by patrol officers. This approach ensured operational confidentiality.

Nightly patrols were conducted to verify the presence of individuals listed in the database. However, this initiative faced resistance from some individuals who were being monitored. Late-night checks often led to confrontations, such as an incident where a monitored individual unleashed a dog at police officers. Such incidents highlighted the challenges of implementing the initiative, as officers had to navigate logistical hurdles and confront hostile reactions.

In addition to tracking individuals, the Kochi police identified 1,275 locations across the city susceptible to criminal activity, such as bars, poorly lit harbours, and other areas with sparse public presence. By mapping the residences of known criminals near these locations, police could concentrate their patrols on high-risk areas. “The measures implemented had a visible deterrent effect on criminal activities,” Syamsundar affirmed. The initiative has led to a discernible decline in crime rates in the city. In 2021, 34,033 crimes were registered across the 27 police stations in Kochi. This number decreased to 26,855 in 2022. However, there was a significant spike in 2023, with 55,803 crimes reported. But the data for 2024 indicates a positive trend, with just 5,853 crimes registered in the first few months of the year, suggesting that the initiative is yielding positive results.

The police also established protocols for sealing major entry and exit points in Kochi, a strategy directly linked to the robbery at Joshiy’s home. This measure aimed to significantly increase the chances of apprehending suspects. Initially, the police were able to seal major entry and exit points within 35 to 40 minutes. However, they are working to reduce this time to 10 minutes, which would significantly increase the chances of catching criminals. As Syamsundar explained, “If these spots are sealed within 10 minutes, the chances of nabbing the culprits after a crime is reported are very high.”
The success of Kochi’s initiative has caught the attention of other parts of Kerala. Following a review of crime rates during the quarterly crime conference last month, the state police chief has instructed other districts to consider adopting this model. This highlights the potential of innovative policing strategies to enhance public safety.

As the Kochi city police expand their initiative, they are leveraging technology and data-driven approaches to enhance crime-fighting capabilities. Initially focused on individuals charged with IPC and BNS offences, the police have now expanded their mapping efforts to include repeat offenders under special laws, particularly those related to narcotics. This comprehensive mapping, combined with strategic patrols and rapid response protocols, represents a significant step forward in law enforcement.

Community involvement has been crucial to the success of this initiative. The Kochi police have actively engaged with local residents, encouraging them to report suspicious activities. This community policing approach has fostered a sense of partnership between the police and the public, making citizens feel more invested in their safety.

However, challenges persist. While adapting to evolving criminal tactics, the police will have to balance effective surveillance with individual rights. “This is where the principle of democratic policing becomes crucial. Any restrictions on individual freedom, including those of offenders, must be grounded in law enacted adhering to the exceptions envisaged in the Article 19 of the Constitution. Moreover, such laws themselves are subject to scrutiny. It is essential to understand that maintaining peace should not come at any cost. Only by embracing this spirit would the courts also uphold the restrictions imposed by the police when these are challenged,” former DGP A Hemachandran said.

Looking ahead, the Kochi police are exploring the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance their crime-fighting capabilities. By analyzing data and predicting crime patterns, the police aim to allocate resources more effectively and respond to incidents more quickly. In conclusion, the Kochi City Police’s mapping and geo-tagging initiative sets a new standard for modern policing. By combining technology with strategic planning, the initiative has not only addressed immediate security concerns but also laid the foundation for a safer future for Kochi’s citizens. As this model is adopted by other police forces across the state, it has the potential to revolutionize law enforcement practices in the 21st century.

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