Vijayawada: NTR district police deployed Automatic Drone Surveillance (ADS) to tackle traffic congestion, curb crime, and prevent public drinking. All 28 police stations in the district now have a drone for surveillance.
The drones, guided by pre-assigned waypoints, provide real-time traffic updates, track suspicious activities, and monitor public areas. Equipped with advanced features like target-based tracking and automated navigation, the drones complement existing GPS-enabled patrols and CCTV networks. Police say this initiative represents a technological leap in policing, with plans to expand its application across Vijayawada and nearby areas.
On Sunday, NTR district Commissioner S V Rajashekara Babu, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Shivanath (Chinni), and other MLAs from the district inaugurated and distributed the drones to the Station House Officers (SHO) of all 28 police stations.
According to the police commissioner, the drones, equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, track real-time traffic flow and identify bottlenecks. By transmitting live footage to the control room, the system allows for immediate interventions, such as rerouting vehicles or deploying personnel to congested areas. “NTR district has seen exponential growth in vehicular traffic, and ADS will help us proactively manage congestion during peak hours and festivals,” said the commissioner.
ADS is also integrated into crime prevention strategies. The drones, capable of target-based tracking, monitor areas prone to illegal activities such as theft, vandalism, and open drinking (alcohol consumption in public). “Public drinking has been a persistent issue, especially during late hours. These drones will not only detect such violations but also record evidence for legal action,” the commissioner added.
This initiative is part of the district’s broader efforts to embrace technology-driven policing. ADS complements existing methods, such as GPS-equipped patrol vehicles and CCTV networks, to enhance efficiency and ensure public safety. While the deployment of drones has been lauded as a progressive step, concerns regarding privacy and misuse have been raised. The police have assured that the surveillance will adhere strictly to legal and ethical guidelines.
If successful, the ADS initiative could serve as a model for other districts in Andhra Pradesh and beyond. Future upgrades may include integrating AI for predictive analytics and facial recognition to further enhance the system’s capabilities. With this technological leap, the NTR district police are setting a benchmark for modern policing, blending innovation with public service, the commissioner said.
