Mumbai: GPS, caller ID in control room's arsenal bring cops, callers closer

The Mumbai police control room is now equipped to verify each caller's ID and locate police cars nearest to their location. This became possible after Global Positioning System (GPS) machines were installed in all police vehicles and also in the control room, which has reduced the response time of police to reach a spot.

According to the police, the system has helped them immediately send assistance to callers' location as the control room can detect a caller's location as well as find a police vehicle nearest to the caller. The vehicle is then immediately sent to the caller's location, along with the caller's name and contact number.

"A GPS machine is fitted in every police vehicle, which allows officers to track a caller and reach the spot sooner than earlier. The patrolling team can reach callers more easily and with less obstacles in their way," said a police officer from the control room.

"We also have to coordinate with the Twitter teams, who get over hundreds of complaints every day on Mumbai police's twitter handle. We connect those complainants to a particular ppatrolling teamolice station and follow-up on the matter," the officer said.