From informers 'tips' to scanning hundreds of CCTV footages, here's how Mumbai cops trace suspects in crimes

In a bustling metropolis like Mumbai, where millions live and travel every day, safeguarding public safety is critical especially while dealing with street and hardcore crimes. The Mumbai Police uses a variety of strategies and technologies to track down criminal suspects ranging from minor thefts to more serious criminal acts ranging from murders, robberies, sexual assaults, etc.

"In a city like Mumbai, things are definitely unpredictable hence the police officials try to stay on their toes as much as possible to avoid criminal acts," an official said.

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One of the oldest and most effective strategies in the police 'books' is to use informants or "tips" from the police informers.

"The informants of the police are like the eyes and ears of the officials since they frequently have firsthand knowledge of local events, and give critical leads that direct investigators to suspects and illegal activities or crimes. Mumbai Police maintain a network of informants dispersed across areas who provide crucial intelligence to help with crime-solving efforts," another official said.

Meanwhile, in today's digital age, the enormous network of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras put around the city is an effective instrument for monitoring and crime detection.

"Mumbai Police methodically review hundreds of hours of CCTV footage to identify suspects, trace their movements, and collect evidence in criminal cases. This technology allows law enforcement to reconstruct timelines and establish relationships between suspects and crime scenes," the official said.

He added, "Once the information on a crime is received by the police, the primary objective is to reach the spot and conduct a panchnama to collect all possible evidence available at the crime scene. The officials simultaneously gather clues on the suspect involved in the crime, this may vary from case to case, in some cases, the suspect is identified immediately and his location is later to nab him. Tracing the location of a culprit is another task and we have multiple different methods ranging from technical support including CCTV footage scanning to other tech resources to reach the accused."

Forensic analysis is an important part of the investigative process since it helps to establish suspect identities and acquire evidence for prosecution. The forensic professionals painstakingly analyse crime scenes, acquire physical evidence such as fingerprints and DNA samples, and conduct ballistics analysis to link firearms to criminal activity. These forensic findings provide valuable clues that help narrow down suspects and construct compelling cases against them.

Another aspect includes effective policing that requires strong community links and active public participation. Mumbai Police conduct community outreach initiatives, such as neighbourhood watch programs and awareness campaigns, to develop trust and partnership. Law enforcement agencies benefit greatly from encouraging residents to report suspicious activity and share information. This helps them identify suspects and prevent crimes.

In recent years, the Mumbai Police has adopted cutting-edge technologies and data analytics techniques to improve its investigative powers. Advanced software tools help to evaluate large amounts of data, detect trends, and generate actionable insights to drive investigations, said an official.