Smart cameras, mobile phones as mics: how tech-savvy Karnataka cops are averting tourist tragedies in real-time

In a first-of-its-kind project in Karnataka, the Uttara Kannada police have installed Wi-Fi-connected smart cameras in vulnerable tourist spots. The camera feed is connected to the district command centre as well as to the offices of police inspectors and sub-inspectors, where police personnel monitor the visuals.

According to the police, when officers notice a potentially threatening situation, they pass the message to the concerned police inspector or sub-inspector. As a mobile application is installed, they get immediate notifications. The police officers can then use their mobile phone as a mic – via an app – to make a safety announcement. The cameras are battery-powered and also use solar energy.

In the present case, Sreedhar, Police Inspector, Gokarna, issued a real-time audio alert for the first time to prevent a potential tragedy. On hearing the alert, the couple seen on the camera promptly left the spot with the child.

M Narayan, Superintendent of Police, Uttara Kannada, told The Indian Express that they have installed 35 CCTV cameras across the district, including at beaches in Gokarna like Temple Beach, Kudle Beach, Om Beach, and Paradise Beach.

“Even when I had worked as an assistant superintendent of police (ASP) in the district 13 years ago, there were many incidents in which people ventured into risky places, especially beaches, and died. Back then, I had introduced an information centre to prevent such tragedies near beaches,” he said.

“Now, after returning to the district, I noticed that about 100-110 people lose their lives in such incidents every year, especially due to drowning. While working as the deputy commissioner of police (DCP, traffic) in Bengaluru, I came across a firm that installed intelligent CCTV cameras. They provided us with these wireless CCTV cameras and speakers. The cameras have been installed using public funds. We hope it will help avert tragedies in the future,” the SP added

The district police are also testing an unmanned system that can automatically raise an alarm when any individual crosses the safety zone near a beach.

Gokarna, located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, frequently reports drowning incidents. In April this year, two medical students from Tiruchi SRM Medical College drowned in the sea here. In December last year, four students of a government residential school drowned during a trip to Murudeshwar beach.