Kathmandu: In a proactive approach towards enhancing crime control, investigation, and traffic management, the Nepal Police has embraced cutting-edge technology, yielding promising outcomes in their operational efficiency.
According to police sources, the integration of modern technologies has proven crucial in substantiating the authenticity of evidence presented in court, especially when suspects deny their involvement in criminal activities.
SSP Dineshraj Mainali, the spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police, emphasized the force’s commitment to leveraging technology to optimize their performance. Recognizing the pivotal role of modern technology in crime investigation, the police have increasingly embraced and maximized its use in recent times, added SSP Mainali.
The Central Forensic Science Laboratory at Samakhusi, Kathmandu, has become a cornerstone in the investigative process. The laboratory conducts scientific testing and analysis of various elements, including chemicals, narcotic drugs, explosive substances, toxicology, DNA, controversial documents, footprint and fingerprint analysis, and scientific examination of photos.
Polygraph machines are employed to determine the veracity of statements made by the accused or crime suspects. Postmortems are conducted at the Forensic Department of the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and district hospitals to ascertain the cause of death, whether attributed to murder or other factors.
In a bid to provide more accessible services, the police have digitized many of their functions. Citizens can now access police reports online from anywhere in the world within a few days, as highlighted by DIG Bhim Prasad Dhakal, the Central Spokesperson for the Nepal Police.
The introduction of a dedicated police app empowers the public to report incidents of crime, turning them into an integral part of law enforcement. Additionally, citizens can contribute to crime prevention by alerting the police through emergency numbers such as 100, 103, and 104, as explained by SSP Mainali.
Efforts to enhance road safety and traffic management include the installation of CCTV cameras, traffic lights, street lights, road signs, signals, road markings, radar guns, breath analyzers, drug detection kits, GoPro cameras, and voice recorders by the traffic police. Plans are underway to introduce vehicle scanners and other advanced technologies at key checkpoints in the Kathmandu Valley.
Currently, the valley boasts 10 Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras and 170 CCTV cameras, with face-reading cameras in 10 locations and AI-based video management cameras at 150 sites for more effective traffic management, as outlined by Spokesperson Rajendra Prasad Bhatta from the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office.