How AI is Enhancing Policing Strategies? Hear From The Top Cop

In an exclusive interview with TICE TV, Rakesh Asthana, the former commissioner of Delhi police and a distinguished IPS officer, shed light on the role of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), in the realm of cybersecurity. Having served in the police force for several years, Asthana shared his insights into the current state of technology adoption and its potential impact on law enforcement in the future.

AI in Policing: A Glimpse of the Future

As the interview commenced, Asthana addressed the significance of technology in law enforcement, particularly AI, stating that while the police currently utilize AI, it remains in a relatively unstructured manner. He emphasized that the future holds promising possibilities as the entire country's police forces and agencies embrace AI in a more organized and systematic fashion.

"We do use AI, but sparingly," Asthana said, indicating that AI has yet to be fully integrated into the fabric of policing. However, he expressed optimism about the future, asserting that AI's structured implementation is on the horizon, poised to revolutionize the way police tackle crime and security challenges.

Technological Advancements and Their Impact on Policing

Asthana highlighted the transformative impact of technology in various aspects of policing, heralding it as the "order of the day." He noted that technology plays a pivotal role in crime prevention, investigation, law and order management, and surveillance. The former commissioner praised technology's contribution to detecting serious crimes, as well as its role in curbing street crimes with the aid of CCTV surveillance systems and facial recognition technology.

"Technology really helps us in not only detecting serious crimes but also in preventing crimes that directly impact the safety of the public," Asthana explained.

Technology's Game-Changing Role in Solving Complex Cases

When probed about specific instances where technology proved instrumental in solving intricate cases during his tenure, Asthana was quick to recall several notable instances. Drawing from his experience as the police commissioner in Surat and Delhi, he cited the successful resolution of heinous, previously unsolved murder cases through the meticulous analysis of CCTV footage, call detail records (CDRs), and mobile phone data.

"The use of CCTV footage analysis, CDR analysis, and mobile phone data helped us detect some serious crimes that had long eluded investigators, thereby bringing justice to victims and their families," Asthana recounted.

The Evolution of Policing: From Analog to High-Tech

Reflecting on the evolving landscape of policing throughout his distinguished career, Asthana acknowledged that the integration of technology has substantially transformed law enforcement practices. He acknowledged that technological advancements have significantly eased the burden on police personnel, making their jobs more efficient and effective.

"The advent of technology has made our job much easier than before, revolutionizing the way we operate and handle investigations," Asthana said, emphasizing the role technology plays in streamlining police operations.

AI's Role in Predictive Policing: Optimizing Resources for Enhanced Security

Elaborating on the future potential of AI in policing, Asthana emphasized its prominent role in predictive policing. He envisaged AI as a key tool in optimizing police resources, leading to a more proactive and effective approach to crime prevention and law enforcement.

"Predictive policing is the future of law enforcement. AI's capability to analyze data and patterns will enable police forces to anticipate and respond to potential threats in a more timely and strategic manner," Asthana asserted.

As the interview with Rakesh Asthana concluded, it became evident that AI's integration into policing is a promising path forward. The former commissioner's insights provided a glimpse into a future where technology-driven approaches will empower law enforcement agencies to safeguard communities more effectively and uphold justice with greater efficiency.