LUCKNOW: Newly appointed Lucknow Police Commissioner Tarun Gauba assumed charge on Wednesday, outlining an ambitious policing agenda centred on technology-driven investigation, data-based crime prevention, swift disposal of public grievances and scientific policing.Stressing that the nature of crime is evolving rapidly, the 2001-batch IPS officer said the commissionerate would increasingly rely on modern technology, data analytics and intelligence-led policing to stay ahead of criminals.In his first interaction with reporters at the Police Lines after taking over, Gauba said the city’s policing priorities would include improving traffic management, strengthening cybercrime investigations, enhancing police response time, ensuring women’s safety and curbing misinformation on social media.Zero-fatality corridors and safer roadsGauba said reducing road accident fatalities would be among the commissionerate’s key priorities.He announced that Lucknow Police would work towards developing “Zero Fatality Corridors” and eventually a “Zero Fatality District” by identifying accident-prone black spots and implementing corrective engineering and enforcement measures.He said traffic police would work in close coordination with traffic experts and other government departments to minimise fatalities through scientific interventions, improved enforcement and better road infrastructure.The Commissioner also emphasised the need for a smoother traffic management system to reduce congestion while ensuring safer roads for commuters.Faster disposal of public grievancesHe said policing should ensure that victims are not forced to run from one office to another in search of justice and that complaints are addressed within a fixed timeframe.Police stations and field officers would be instructed to adopt a sensitive, citizen-friendly and responsive approach while dealing with complainants.Technology-led crackdown on cyber crimeHighlighting the rapidly changing nature of crime, Gauba said cybercrime and digital financial fraud had emerged as major policing challenges.He noted that Lucknow Police had already arrested several cybercriminals in recent years but said the force would now intensify efforts to dismantle organised cyber fraud networks using advanced technology, specialised investigation teams and digital forensics.He added that the technical infrastructure would be further strengthened to ensure that money lost in cyber frauds could be frozen quickly and offenders traced at the earliest.Data analytics to drive crime preventionGauba said data analytics would become a key tool in crime prevention and investigation.The commissionerate will analyse crime hotspots, patterns and criminal behaviour using scientific methods to identify emerging trends and deploy resources more effectively.The objective, he said, is to prevent offences before they occur through intelligence-led policing and predictive analysis.Focus on improving police response timeThe new Police Commissioner also laid emphasis on reducing police response time.He said the response time to crime scenes would be continuously monitored, while PRV-112 vehicles and patrolling units would be strategically deployed to ensure faster access to all parts of the city.Regular reviews of patrol routes, vehicle deployment and field duties would be conducted to improve operational efficiency.Women’s safety to remain a priorityGauba said women’s safety would continue to receive special attention, adding that the Mission Shakti initiative would be implemented effectively at the ground level to create a safer environment for women across the city.
Strict action against rumour-mongers
The Commissioner warned that Lucknow Police would maintain constant surveillance over social media platforms to curb the spread of misinformation and rumours.He said those found circulating false or misleading content capable of disturbing public order would face strict legal action.Police would also closely monitor anti-social elements to prevent any attempt to disrupt law and order through misinformation or online propaganda.
