Use of IT in police is not a movement yet

Dr Bedi, one of the most prominent faces in the Indian police force, tells
us why we are still far from being secure and how what has been done is just not
enough. Excerpts

Post 26/11 there was a lot of talk about integration between various
security agencies. How has the progress been on that front?

Please float an RTI on that. I cant give you the real information. You can
get the information on how many cameras have been installed, in which places and
the networks. But the question is how many of them are really functional? So,
the figures in such cases are actually misleading.

What is the progress of automation in various units like the National
Crime Records Bureau? How advanced is the technology being used by our police
forces?

Use of IT in police is not a movement yet. It is still an individually
sought after thing. I believe in effectiveness of technology. I have started a
movement on my own called www.saferindia.com. If the police is not listening to
you or not registering your complaint, you can go to the site and lodge your
complaint and grievances there. We represent these cases, I receive these
complaints on my Blackberry and address them personally. This is something that
should have been started by the central agencies. Every single agency can
benefit so much from such an effort.

What has been the technology for security roadmap and policy after
incidents like Delhi blasts and 26/11?

Its true that a lot of money is being spent on purchasing technology. But
if you are not using it effectively, if nothing is functional, then it is
criminal wastage of money. What is the use of technology if you cant deploy it
properly?

But do you indeed believe that technology can prove to be very helpful in
tackling security issues?

Absolutely. I think we have all the technology answers today. What we really
need are technology users. Look at the Delhi Government. Daily, we read that it
is doing something or the other with technology. Things like underground mapping
systems. I think it is one government that is making use of technology in a
better way.

But there has also been a big hue and cry about how the various police
forces are becoming technology savvy and automated...

Automation is happening because we are being given modernization grants by
the government. But what is the point if we dont utilize things properly. Im
just coming back from a radio program, and there I was told that a lot of
cameras put up in public places are being stolen and destroyed and no one is
stopping the menace. So why are we not putting security grills, etc, to protect
them? Also, to actually figure out how many cameras and systems are working, you
will have to do a survey yourself, because the information that you will get
from the authorities will be misleading. From them you wont get to know how
many are actually functioning properly.

Heavens forbid, if any incident is to happen again, do you think our
response mechanisms will be better?

I can only say that the response of the central police force will be
quicker. But I think that the ground policing will remain the same.

Do you think a big event like the Commonwealth Games, help the security
scenario and technology adoption for security?

Yes, certainly. Because I think then there will be a compelling need to
secure ourselves using advanced technologies. I think the Games will be good
news for our security.

Where do you think we lack when it comes to security?

Awareness is certainly there, but it is not complemented by willingness.

Mehak Chawla

mehakc@cybermedia.co.in