Crime patrol! local cops in Shahdara on front foot

NEW DELHI: In an age when bikes and SUV patrols are the focus areas of police, foot patrolling — one of the traditional methods – is getting a fresh lease of life in Shahdara. The local beat cops are now required to achieve a minimum of 5,000 steps per day to ensure thorough coverage of their assigned areas. This initiative is supported by a dedicated foot patrolling application, facilitating real-time monitoring and documentation of patrol activities.

With over 700 users as of now, Shahdara cops say they are already witnessing a drop in the cases of PCR calls, night robberies and theft cases.Foot patrolling has been a great tool for police across the globe for “street domination” and establishing close ties with the neighborhoods.

According to Surendra Choudhary, DCP of Shahdara, the application aims to enhance security and optimise police operations by enabling officers to closely track their movements within designated areas. “Its key features include meticulous recording of steps taken, distances covered, and time spent on patrols, with real-time updates available only within officers’ jurisdictions. The app also alerts officers to important areas, incidents and unchecked locations,” he says.
The DCP adds that the overarching goal is to transition from reactive policing to proactive community engagement. The foot patrolling teams will recognise local crime patterns and find ways to stop crime before it happens, which may include everything from spotting dark corners to keeping an eye on suspicious movements. The application, which will be installed on all the beat cops’ phones, will not only ensure community safety but will also promote health of the policemen.
Officers added that the initiative, although in a nascent stage, has seen recent successes such as the swift resolution of a Rs 2 lakh robbery case that took place in Gandhi Nagar. The case was cracked easily, thanks to a foot patrolling officer’s timely intervention.
Cops claimed that with the implementation of the app, a drop was seen in the number of night robbery cases, which went down from 1,969 cases last year to 1,300 this year. Burglary cases saw a dip of around 20% compared with the same period last year.
Another important element of the application is the visual documentation through geotagged image uploads, which provides valuable insights and records for analysis. “The app facilitates the sharing of unmonitored areas and locations are highlighted on the map. Critical zones like schools, hospitals and crime hotspots are prioritised, while real-time monitoring facilitates swift responses to emergencies or deviations from patrol routes,” officers explained.
Senior cops added that the initiative was aimed at integrating technology seamlessly into policing operations by enhancing transparency, effectiveness and community trust. Officers are tasked not only with crime prevention but also with fostering close relationships with residents and merchants, investigating crimes, and providing guidance on crime prevention strategies.