GPS system for police patrol vehicles; tenders close

GPS system for police patrol vehicles; tenders close
Deccan Herald

The much-awaited Global Positioning System (GPS) for patrol vehicles of the Bangalore police is all set to become a reality now.Initiated in 1999 by the then Bangalore Police Commissioner Revanasiddaiah, the project had taken a back seat in the annual budget allocations for six years until now.

The much-awaited Global Positioning System (GPS) for patrol vehicles of the Bangalore police is all set to become a reality now. Tenders from global players for the GPS-based automatic vehicle tracking system closed on Monday.

Initiated in 1999 by the then Bangalore Police Commissioner Revanasiddaiah, the project had taken a back seat in the annual budget allocations for six years until now.

Once installed, the system will help centralise monitoring of patrol vehicles on a Global Imaging System (GIS) map of the City. “With the ever increasing crime rate, the Bangalore Police will acquire this hi-tech gadgetry that is much-needed for policing,” said a senior police officer.

Presently, 100 Hoysala vans deployed throughout Bangalore which is divided into five zones will have the GPS facility.

The number of vans will soon be increased, with each zone having 23-50 patrol vans and each van manned by three police personnel, the officer said.

Explaining the new system, the police officer said it has to be developed according to the requirements of the centralised police control room in the Police Headquarters on Infantry Road.

Location of the vehicle will be displayed on the GIS map. GPS devices which include GPS receiver, mobile data terminal, modem, transmission equipment and accessories, will be installed in each vehicle.

The police control room operators, would also be trained to use this technology. They will then be able to monitor the vehicles, zone-wise. “The vehicle can be tracked to its exact location as the operator would be able to zoom in on the map, this will also help guide the vans to the exact spot of crime or crisis,” the officer added.

Computer-aided dispatch, also known as CAD, provides officers and dispatchers with "automatic vehicle location" - essentially, an overview of every police vehicle on the road.

Constant vigil

The system would ensure that patrol vehicles always remain under observation and any violation by personnel themselves would immediately be noticed.

“Often, patrol personnel change location without informing the control room. They use the vehicle for personal work or tend to become non-vigilant. This system would help curb these violations,” the officer added.

HIGHLIGHTS

Patrol vehicles will be fitted with GPS.

Signals from GPS-fitted vehicles will be transmitted to a satellite.

Signals will in turn be relayed back to a central monitoring station.

Position of patrol vehicle will flash on a digitised map at the central monitoring station.

Vehicle nearest to the crime scene will be guided to the location.

Computer-aided dispatchers with automatically order the nearest vehicle to rush to the scene.

Violation of the orders will be recorded.