In a significant move to bolster public safety and deter crime, Jalandhar's top police official has issued a strict mandate for all vehicle parking facilities within the city. Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur has invoked her powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to enforce comprehensive surveillance across key public areas.
What Does the New Police Order Say?
The directive explicitly states that all vehicle parking areas operating within the limits of the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate must install functional CCTV camera systems. This rule applies to a wide range of locations that see high public footfall. The list includes, but is not limited to, railway stations, bus stands, religious places, hospitals, crowded markets, and any other officially designated parking zones. The order makes it clear that no parking area can function without complying with this surveillance requirement.
Specific Technical and Logistical Requirements
The police commissioner's order goes beyond a simple installation rule, detailing precise operational guidelines. The CCTV cameras must be positioned and calibrated to clearly capture the licence plate number and the driver's face of every vehicle entering or exiting the parking premises. This dual-capture is crucial for identification purposes in case of any incident.
Furthermore, the management of these parking areas is required to maintain recorded footage for a minimum period of 45 days. A compiled CD of this footage must be submitted to the Security Branch Office of the Commissionerate Police every 15 days for review and record-keeping. This ensures regular monitoring and creates a reliable evidence trail.
In addition to video surveillance, parking operators must also keep a detailed manual or digital register. This log must maintain a record of all vehicle owners who park their vehicles, with specific entries for vehicles parked for a single day as well as those parked over multiple days.
Aim and Expected Impact of the Directive
This sweeping order by Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur is primarily aimed at preventing vehicle thefts, enhancing overall security in crowded places, and creating a robust system for evidence collection. By ensuring clear identification of vehicles and their drivers, the police force will be better equipped to investigate crimes, track suspicious movements, and hold perpetrators accountable. The mandate is expected to bring a standardized layer of security to public parking, which is often vulnerable to criminal activities. The move underscores the police department's proactive approach to leveraging technology for modern law enforcement and public safety in Jalandhar.
