Delhi Police Takes Control of CCTV Footage Access, Limits Public Availability
Overview of the Changes
In a significant policy shift, Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha has instructed a Special Commissioner of Police to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Public Works Department (PWD). This decision is poised to limit public access to the footage from CCTV cameras previously installed across the city.
The installation of CCTV cameras in Delhi began under the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, resulting in the deployment of 1.40 lakh cameras in two phases. Most of these cameras were set up by the PWD in crucial areas, including main roads, public spaces, government buildings, and underpasses.
Impact on Resident Access
Under current arrangements, residents and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) possess passwords that allow them to access feeds from many of these cameras. This access has enabled them to monitor incidents such as thefts, missing children, and minor crimes independently, facilitating timely cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
According to a senior police official, the PWD will soon transfer control of camera feeds to the Delhi Police. During a recent review meeting on crime, Commissioner Golchha emphasized the need to catalog all CCTV cameras by the relevant district Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs). A formal process for this transition is expected to be introduced shortly.
Details of the Proposed Arrangement
With the new proposed arrangement, access to footage from the PWD’s network of CCTV cameras throughout the capital will be restricted to police personnel. Residents and RWAs that previously had access will now need to approach local police stations for assistance in viewing any footage.
District DCPs have been assigned the responsibility of mapping all cameras in their jurisdictions to enhance their utility for law enforcement purposes. Additionally, oversight of the existing control room for CCTV monitoring will shift to the police, streamlining operations.
Aim to Protect Sensitive Footage
An anonymous police officer indicated that this new control mechanism is also aimed at preventing the viral spread of sensitive footage related to serious crimes on social media platforms. Such incidents have previously resulted in public outrage and have put additional scrutiny on police actions.
Since the inception of this extensive CCTV network in 2020, over 10,000 criminal cases have reportedly benefited from the footage managed by the PWD. The PWD has shared approximately 12,000 video clips with law enforcement to assist in ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.
Additionally, it has been noted that the PWD and Bharat Electronics Limited, the company responsible for the installation and maintenance of these cameras, have addressed over 10,000 court summons since the project began.
Response from Delhi Police
A query regarding this new policy has been directed to the Delhi Police spokesperson; their response is currently awaited.
In recent times, CCTV footage related to crimes occurring in the capital often made its way to social media, sparking concern among law enforcement officials. Former Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora had previously issued directives to ensure that such footage is not disseminated beyond authorized personnel, warning that any breaches would result in accountability for the responsible officers.
