Investigative Methods Must Change with Changing Crime Patterns: AP CM

The Chief Minister participated in the Police Commemoration Day programme held at the 6th Andhra Pradesh Special Police Battalion in Mangalagiri on Wednesday and paid tributes to police personnel who laid down their lives while discharging duty.

Later addressing the police, the Chief Minister described the khaki uniform as a symbol of responsibility and the police as a source of reassurance; he said police personnel provide courage and confidence to people in distress. He noted that police personnel often sacrifice celebrations with their own families to ensure that people can celebrate festivals safely. Their role was crucial in maintaining security during the Sharannavaratri festivities at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple, Vijayawada Utsav, VIP security arrangements, and other law-and-order duties. He appreciated their continuous efforts in ensuring that Dussehra celebrations across the state were conducted peacefully.

He called for the use of CCTV cameras to detect crimes and data analytics to uncover the facts behind them. The deployment of drones should be expanded for surveillance and other operational requirements. Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies must be leveraged to strengthen investigative capabilities.

Chandrababu Naidu expressed the aspiration that Andhra Pradesh Police should earn nationwide recognition for their leadership in adopting advanced technologies. He called upon the Andhra Pradesh Police to set a national benchmark in maintaining law and order. He said criminals should fear the police uniform, while victims should feel assured of protection and justice. The police must safeguard public property and create an environment in which every citizen can live peacefully, he said.

The Chief Minister said the AP Police enjoy a distinct reputation across the country. He recalled their courage and dedication in controlling factional violence, tackling Naxalism and preventing communal clashes in the past.Law and order, development, employment and public well-being are closely interconnected, he said. Investments flow into regions where businesses have confidence in security, leading to the establishment of industries and the creation of employment opportunities. He affirmed that maintaining law and order would remain a top priority whenever he was in office.

The Chief Minister congratulated the AP Counter Intelligence wing for recently uncovering conspiracies that posed a threat to national security, further enhancing the reputation of the police department. He stressed that policing requires compassion as well as courage. People approach police stations hoping to find solutions to their problems; some come in fear, while others arrive in tears. Police personnel must listen to them with empathy, treat them with dignity, and ensure speedy resolution of their grievances, he said.

The Chief Minister made it clear that crimes committed under political guise must not be tolerated and that politics should never provide protection to criminals. He directed the police to act firmly against rowdy elements who trouble the public and individuals who harass others through social media.

He appreciated the efforts of the EAGLE (Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement) teams in curbing ganja and other narcotic drugs. Technology-driven policing would have limited value unless it ensured the safety of women, he said. The police must create an environment in which perpetrators are afraid to commit crimes against women.

The Chief Minister assured that the government would stand by the families of police martyrs and remain committed to the welfare of police personnel. The most meaningful tribute to the sacrifices of fallen officers is to ensure uninterrupted safety and security for the public, he said. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, DGP Harish Kumar Gupta and other officials paid floral tributes at the memorial dedicated to police martyrs.