Daily Current Affairs : 26-October-2023
In a significant stride towards modernization, the Indian government has initiated the deployment of advanced identification technologies in law enforcement. Under the Criminal Procedure Identification Act 2022 (CrPI), the country is witnessing the nationwide integration of DNA and Face Matching systems, a move set to revolutionize policing methodologies.
Facial Recognition Systems:
Facial recognition technology, a pivotal component of this initiative, involves the identification and measurement of facial features from images or video frames. Several Indian police departments, including TSCOP, CCTNS, PAIS, Trinetra, and AFRS, have already adopted this technology. Its implementation aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of criminal identification processes.
Criminal Procedure Identification Act:
The CrPI Act, enacted in 2022, empowers law enforcement agencies to collect, store, and analyze diverse biological and physical samples, encompassing retina and iris scans. This legislation marks a departure from the century-old Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920, expanding the scope to capture additional data for more accurate identification.
Integration with National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS):
Crucially, the CrPI Act integrates with the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), a comprehensive database managed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). NAFIS contains fingerprint data for over 1 crore individuals, including both accused and convicts, providing an invaluable resource accessible at approximately 1,300 police stations nationwide.
Nodal Agency and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP):
The NCRB serves as the nodal agency overseeing the implementation of these systems. One of their key responsibilities is finalizing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the seamless integration of these advanced technologies within the existing law enforcement framework.
Benefits and Impacts:
The introduction of DNA and Face Matching systems promises a plethora of benefits for law enforcement and society at large:
- Efficient Criminal Investigations: Accelerated identification processes will lead to quicker criminal investigations and reduced crime rates.
- Big Data Utilization: These systems employ Big Data analytics to discern crime trends, aiding law enforcement agencies in strategic planning.
- Enhanced Public-Police Interaction: Real-time access through smartphone applications fosters enhanced public-police interaction. Citizens can conveniently submit grievances online, exemplified by Punjab Police’s SAANJH initiative.
Challenges and Considerations:
Despite the promising advancements, the implementation of these technologies is not without challenges:
- Data Security Concerns: Potential data security gaps raise concerns about misuse and unauthorized access.
- Rural-Urban Disparities: Unequal technology access in rural areas compared to urban centers poses a challenge to widespread adoption.
- Police Reform Integration: Ensuring seamless integration with existing police reform initiatives is crucial for maximizing the benefits.
- Budgetary Constraints: Financial limitations might hinder the adoption of these advanced technologies in all police stations.
- Interagency Collaboration: Limited tools for collaboration between different law enforcement agencies can impede the seamless flow of information.
Important Points:
- Facial Recognition Systems:
- Identify and measure facial features from images or video frames.
- Adopted by various Indian police departments like TSCOP, CCTNS, and AFRS.
- Criminal Procedure Identification Act (CrPI):
- Enacted in 2022, replacing the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920.
- Grants authorities the ability to collect, store, and analyze diverse biological and physical samples, including retina and iris scans.
- Integration with National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS):
- Integrated into CrPI Act’s implementation.
- Contains fingerprint data for over 1 crore individuals, accessible at 1,300 police stations nationwide.
- Nodal Agency and SOP:
- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) oversees the implementation.
- Responsible for finalizing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for seamless integration.
- Benefits and Impacts:
- Efficient Criminal Investigations:
- Quicker identification processes leading to faster criminal investigations.
- Big Data Utilization:
- Analyzes Big Data for crime trends, aiding strategic planning.
- Enhanced Public-Police Interaction:
- Real-time access via smartphone apps, enabling online grievance submissions (e.g., Punjab Police’s SAANJH initiative).
- Efficient Criminal Investigations:
- Challenges and Considerations:
- Data Security Concerns:
- Potential gaps raise concerns about misuse and unauthorized access.
- Rural-Urban Disparities:
- Unequal technology access in rural areas compared to urban centers.
- Police Reform Integration:
- Ensuring seamless integration with existing police reform initiatives is crucial.
- Budgetary Constraints:
- Financial limitations might hinder the adoption of these technologies in all police stations.
- Interagency Collaboration:
- Limited tools for collaboration between different law enforcement agencies can impede information flow.
- Data Security Concerns:
Why In News
The Indian government is poised to roll out the “DNA and Face Matching” systems at 1,300 police stations nationwide, a significant stride made possible by the implementation of the Criminal Procedure Identification Act 2022 (CrPI). This Act, which replaced the 100-year-old Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920, has not only ushered in advanced technology but also expanded the scope to capture additional data, revolutionizing the country’s law enforcement capabilities and ensuring a more effective criminal identification process.
MCQs about DNA and Facial Recognition Implementation
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What is the main purpose of the Criminal Procedure Identification Act (CrPI) 2022 in India?
A) To regulate social media usage
B) To enhance law enforcement identification processes
C) To promote agricultural reforms
D) To establish new transportation policies
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Which agency is responsible for finalizing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the integration of DNA and Facial Recognition systems in India?
A) National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
B) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
C) Ministry of Home Affairs
D) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
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What is one of the challenges mentioned in the essay regarding the implementation of DNA and Facial Recognition systems in Indian policing?
A) Excessive funding availability
B) Limited tools for interagency collaboration
C) Overwhelming support from all states
D) Abundance of trained personnel
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How do Facial Recognition Systems benefit law enforcement according to the essay?
A) By predicting weather patterns
B) By enhancing public-police interaction and enabling real-time access via smartphone apps
C) By analyzing agricultural trends
D) By regulating traffic flow
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