How are police using tech to fight crime? Bengaluru top cop explains

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda discussed the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in crime prevention and resolution on Saturday. In an interview with India Today’s Nagarjun Dwarakanth at the India Today Mind Rocks Youth Summit 2024 on Saturday, the Bengaluru police commissioner emphasised the importance of using advanced technology to address modern challenges, particularly in the field of cybercrime.
“We aim to bring global standards for a global city like Bengaluru”, he said, highlighting how the city police were pioneers in utilising radar guns and other technological tools to combat crime. With limited staff relative to the city’s population, Bengaluru police use technology as a “force multiplier” to enhance their efficiency, including the application of AI in solving cybercrime cases.
Dayananda warned that cyber fraudsters are leveraging advanced technology to commit fraud, making it essential for citizens to be vigilant. He stressed that basic precautions and common sense are critical in preventing online fraud.
The Bengaluru top cop advised the public to avoid clicking on unknown links and emphasised the importance of reporting cybercrime immediately.
“To stop cybercrime, people should report to the police as quickly as possible; this increases the chances of recovering stolen money,” he added.
Dayananda also reminded the audience about the toll-free number for reporting cybercrime—1930—which allows citizens to act swiftly in the event of an incident.
When asked about the popularity of Bengaluru Police’s social media presence, Police Commissioner B Dayananda acknowledged its widespread appeal but cautioned against over-reliance. “It’s a double-edged sword,” he remarked, emphasising the need for careful use.
At the India Today Mind Rocks Youth Summit 2024, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda shared insights into how technology is helping the city tackle traffic issues, enhance women’s safety, and address challenges posed by social media.
Dayananda explained that Bengaluru Police is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in two key areas to reduce traffic congestion. “First, we’re using AI for traffic enforcement,” he said, noting that vehicles are no longer stopped for challans. Instead, AI systems detect violations and directly send challans to the offenders. The second use of AI is for detecting traffic congestion, helping to manage the city’s notoriously crowded roads more efficiently.
On the topic of women’s safety, Dayananda highlighted the launch of the Safe City Project, a Rs 667 crore initiative. The project includes setting up CCTV cameras and command centers across the city to ensure rapid response to safety concerns.
Addressing the issue of fake news and hate posts, Dayananda revealed that every police station in Bengaluru now has a dedicated social media monitoring team. These teams register cases and work with social media platforms to take down harmful content swiftly.
He also recommended that citizens install dashcams in their vehicles for added safety and accountability.
In response to whether traffic or law and order is the bigger issue in Bengaluru, Dayananda pointed to traffic as the greater challenge. “The city has grown exponentially, but the roads have remained the same,” he explained, underscoring the importance of innovative solutions like AI to manage the city’s traffic woes.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda emphasised the importance of maintaining transparency and open communication with the public, stating that the city police hold a press conference every Tuesday to engage with the media.
“Anyone can come to us, our doors are always open,” he added, highlighting the department’s commitment to accessibility and addressing public concerns directly.