The Uttar Pradesh Police, one of the largest police forces in the world, is undergoing a massive transformation to align itself with the vision of a technologically advanced and citizen-centric security system by 2047. From the days of wireless sets in the 1980s to AI-enabled surveillance in the 2020s, Uttar Pradesh police have consistently embraced modernisation, and its roadmap now sets ambitious targets for the future.
The foundation of modern policing in UP was laid in the late 1980s with the rise of gang wars, which prompted the state to set up specialised units such as the Special Task Force (STF). Over time, digitisation initiatives like CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems), electronic records, and AI-based tools became an integral part of policing. This legacy of adapting to emerging challenges is now being scaled up to meet global standards of security and policing.
One of the biggest leaps has come in technology integration. The UP-112 emergency response system has drastically reduced response times from one hour in 2016 to less than 9 minutes in 2023. Over 6,200 Police Response Vehicles are now equipped with GPS, body-worn cameras, and AI-based surveillance. Similarly, prisons have been modernized with real-time GPS tracking, AI cameras, and microphones, ensuring tighter monitoring.
To strengthen communication, the UP police have introduced the “Push-to-Talk” mobile application for quick coordination. Citizen services like the 1090 All-Women Helpline, now operating as a 24×7 centre, handle issues of cyberbullying, stalking, harassment, and violence with a remarkable 98% satisfaction rate.
Uttar Pradesh has also made significant investments in forensic sciences. The Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) in Lucknow, along with the National Forensic Sciences University Centre of Excellence, is being developed to introduce advanced DNA testing, digital forensics, and AI-based crime investigation techniques. These upgrades aim to make UP’s forensic capabilities technologically benchmarked with global standards by 2047.
Today, modern policing is no longer restricted to law enforcement, it is about building trust with citizens. Initiatives such as UP-112 Phase II and digital applications allow real-time updates, improving accountability and transparency. The focus on women’s safety has expanded with the 1090 helpline’s growth into a cyber-safety hub, while community policing models ensure people’s participation in crime prevention.
To keep pace with international standards, UP Police has partnered with agencies in the US and UK to upgrade skills in cybercrime, forensic technology, and advanced policing. Joint exercises, capacity-building programs, and large-scale training sessions are being conducted. The welfare of the force has also been prioritized, with budget allocations for housing, medical equipment, and sports facilities increasing significantly.
Large-scale event management has become another focus area. The success of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and the grand Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya demonstrated the ability of UP Police to handle massive gatherings with advanced technology, drones, AI-based monitoring, and coordinated security planning. These events act as models for future crowd management strategies at national and international levels.
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