Drone Policing Takes Off in Vizag: A Game Changer in Urban Crime Surveillance and Smart Policing
Vizag Police Embrace Drone Policing for Smarter Crime Prevention
In a decisive push toward technology-enabled policing, the Visakhapatnam City Police have launched a comprehensive drone surveillance program aimed at enhancing crime detection, deterring antisocial behaviour, and ensuring better public safety across the city. The move, initiated by Commissioner of Police Shanka Brata Bagchi, marks a critical step in transforming Vizag into a model city for tech-driven law enforcement.
One Drone Per Station: Strategic Coverage and Real-Time Surveillance
Under the new initiative, each police station within the city limits has been equipped with a drone, ensuring geographical coverage and quicker response across jurisdictions. Currently, the department is operating:
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1 Mars T6 Indian-made drone
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20 Matrix 4T drones
These drones are capable of both day and night vision, equipped with searchlights, high-resolution cameras, and sirens. The Mars T6, for instance, can capture footage from a 5 km range at a flying height of 100 meters. However, it requires continuous power supply, currently being managed using a 250 kV generator, allowing it to fly non-stop for over 10 hours.
Operational Efficiency and Personnel Training
The deployment requires a four-person team per drone:
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One to manage the generator,
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Two to handle the dual control systems,
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And one for real-time monitoring.
To streamline these operations, special training sessions have been initiated for police officers across stations. The aim is to familiarise personnel with drone navigation, surveillance coordination, and evidence gathering, making law enforcement both faster and more data-driven.
Fighting Crime from the Sky: Real-World Applications
CP Bagchi emphasised the drones’ multipurpose utility in a range of law enforcement scenarios:
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Crime surveillance in remote and poorly lit areas
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Detection of illegal activities like open drinking, gambling, and drug abuse
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Monitoring of VIP security arrangements
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Real-time alerts and sirens during emergencies
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Crowd management and traffic control
With sirens and night vision capabilities, drones are not only deterrents but also instant communicators—alerting both the public and police teams in emergencies.
Redefining Police Presence in High-Risk Zones
Traditionally, isolated areas or crime-prone zones have been harder to patrol due to manpower and visibility constraints. With drone policing, these zones can now be routinely monitored from the sky, allowing for rapid identification and intervention in suspicious activities.
CP Bagchi’s message is clear: “Criminals have no place to hide in Vizag now.” Whether it’s remote locations or urban hotspots, surveillance drones extend the arm of the law to all corners of the city.
Integration into Smart Policing Vision
The police chief also indicated plans to scale up drone operations, with the goal of allocating two drones per police station in the near future. This scale-up will allow for continuous aerial monitoring, enhancing patrol density and minimising response time.
The initiative is seen as part of the broader movement towards smart city policing, where technology complements traditional patrolling to achieve real-time, predictive, and community-centric law enforcement.
Public Reassurance and Deterrence: Dual Impact
Bagchi reiterated that drone policing is not just about catching wrongdoers—it’s about creating a sense of safety and vigilance among citizens. The visible presence of drones acts as a psychological deterrent against unlawful acts while reinforcing the city’s commitment to rule of law.
Furthermore, by mapping trouble zones and identifying behavioural patterns, drones will enable predictive policing and evidence-led enforcement strategies, reducing the burden on field officers while improving outcomes.
A Model for India’s Urban Policing
With this initiative, Visakhapatnam joins the ranks of progressive Indian cities harnessing innovation for safer urban living. The proactive deployment of drones positions Vizag as a pioneer in the adoption of aerial technology for civilian policing.
As the initiative unfolds, it is likely to serve as a blueprint for other metropolitan and tier-2 cities across India aiming to modernise their law enforcement infrastructure.
Conclusion: Vizag's Skies Watch Over Its Streets
From boosting officer efficiency to deterring street crime and expanding surveillance in inaccessible areas, drone policing is reshaping the future of law and order in Visakhapatnam. Under Commissioner Bagchi’s leadership, the integration of drone technology reflects a bold, transformative approach to urban safety—one that is expected to yield measurable improvements in crime deterrence and public confidence.
With drones hovering above and a tech-savvy police force on the ground, Vizag is setting a new benchmark for smart, safe, and transparent policing in India.
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