Director General of Police Dwaraka Tirumala Rao planting a sapling in Narasaraopet on Wednesday.

Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Dwaraka Tirumala Rao inaugurated a newly-constructed Dog Squad building at the Narasaraopet police office on Wednesday. Built at a cost of ₹10 lakh, the facility aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities in the district.

Upon his arrival, the DGP was accorded a grand welcome with police honours and Vedic chants. He, along with Guntur Range Inspector General (IG) Sarvashresta Tripathi, Palnadu Superintendent of Police Kanchi Srinivasa Rao, planted saplings in the police headquarters premises Palnadu District Collector P. Arun Babu also participated in the event.

Addressing the district police officers on this occasion, DGP Tirumala Rao emphasised the role of advanced technology in crime prevention. He outlined the government’s initiative to install one lakh CCTV cameras across the State within a month, urging donors to support this effort by installing cameras in their respective areas.

The primary goal is to deter criminals from committing crimes in the first place. Beyond solving crimes, technology should instill fear in offenders. Surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones would help prevent untoward incidents, manage traffic, and improve overall security, he said.

He added that the CCTV network would be integrated with police stations for real-time monitoring. Through two-way communication systems, police can issue direct orders from the command centre, and the public announcement (PA) system will help alert people in emergencies.

Enhanced security

Use of drones, CCTV cameras, and body-worn cameras will be expanded during festivals, public gatherings, and law enforcement operations, he said. The DGP added that the public and business owners were encouraged to install CCTV cameras around apartments, commercial areas, and residences for added security. He said that the State police was committed to making Andhra Pradesh drug-free, with stringent measures against cannabis trafficking. Efforts were being intensified to curb cybercrimes, road accidents, and crimes against women, with awareness programmes for students and the public.

The DGP said five drones per sub-division have been deployed in Narasaraopet, Sattenapalli, and Gurajala to strengthen surveillance. India’s first digital barricading system has been introduced in Palnadu, enhancing security and law enforcement, the DGP observed.