Citizens in Lucknow can now expect a new level of transparency and fair treatment when they visit any police station or women-centric pink booth across the city. This assurance comes from a comprehensive initiative where every interaction with police personnel is now being recorded on camera.
Centralised Monitoring for Accountability
In a significant move to bolster public trust, all police stations and the city's 99 pink booths have been brought under continuous CCTV surveillance. The footage is not merely recorded but is also being actively monitored by senior officers. Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Babloo Kumar stated that this system ensures swift intervention if any complaint is ignored or a visitor is mistreated.
"Senior officers of ACP and DCP ranks will directly monitor live feeds and recorded footage through a centralised digital system," Kumar explained. The readily available CCTV recordings will be used for review and necessary action against any lapse in duty or public grievance redressal.
Implementation Across Key Areas
This initiative is being implemented in compliance with directives from the Supreme Court, which mandates CCTV coverage in all public and common areas of police establishments. Accordingly, cameras have been installed at crucial points within every police station in the state capital.
The coverage includes:
- Main entry points of police station premises
- Entry points of police buildings
- General Diary (GD) offices
- Lock-ups
- Station House Officer (SHO) rooms where public grievances are addressed
Given Lucknow's status as the Uttar Pradesh capital, the surveillance net has been extended to all key police outposts and chowkies as well. Cameras will also cover the surrounding areas to strengthen overall security.
Special Focus on Women's Safety
A special emphasis has been placed on infrastructure for women's safety. The network of 99 pink booths across Lucknow, dedicated to addressing women's concerns, is now fully equipped with CCTV cameras. Senior officers will remotely monitor the feeds from these booths to ensure that women who approach them receive a safe, respectful, and prompt response.
JCP Kumar described the initiative as a major step towards citizen-centric policing. It aims to ensure transparency in police functioning, protect the rights of citizens, and reinforce accountability at every level of the police system. The recorded footage will be stored securely, and regular reviews will be conducted by the officers in charge of each station.
