KATHMANDU, JULY 25
A total of 743 CCTV cameras with night-vision features have been added to the network of visual technology under the direct supervision and surveillance of Metropolitan Police Office across Kathmandu valley.
Installation of surveillance cameras has aided police to monitor suspicious activities, control crime, facilitate evidence-based criminal investigation and track down offenders.
Last month, a person died on the spot after being hit by a car in Balkhu. The driver fled the scene before police managed to trace his whereabouts through the use of CCTV footage.
According to a report release by Nepal Police, investigating officers have resolved dozens of murders, thefts, robberies and hitand-run cases, thanks to CCTV cameras.
Nepal Police has also adopted rapid information system and drones for effective use of CCTV cameras.
Communication Directorate of Nepal Police is responsible for installation, maintenance and control of CCTVs. Currently, police have more than 50 sets of rapid information system technology which can be installed at any place within 15 minutes for vigilance and monitoring of a certain location.
This system helps police analyse visuals from the command centre of the headquarters in Naxal.
CCTV cameras are also helping police monitor rallies, assemblies and protest programmes organised by political parties or interest groups. In case of violence during the protest or scuffles between demonstrators and riot police, law enforcement officials use CCTV footage to trace suspects.
Senior Superintendent of Police Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, Nepal Police spokesperson, said the use of CCTV aided not only in controlling crime but also in carrying out evidence-based criminal investigation.
Police in Kathmandu valley resolved 517 cases of theft, robbery, missing persons or goods, vandalism, murder and road accidents through analysis of CCTV footage in the fiscal 2022-21, according to Metropolitan Police Office.
Nepal Police has accorded high priority to the use and expansion of modern technology for maintaining peace and security, crime control and criminal investigation.
CCTV cameras have been acting as third eye for law enforcement officers in areas where manual policing is not possible round-the-clock. The use of CCTV cameras by Nepal Police dates back to 2004 with the installation of eight surveillance cameras in and around its headquarters.
A version of this article appears in the print on July 26 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
