Times of India: Thane: Thursday, 13 March 2025.
A recent Right to
Information (RTI) query uncovered that CCTV systems in Thane police stations
operate without audio recording capability, raising concerns about transparency
and accountability in law enforcement operations.
The RTI application, filed by a Thane-based social activist, revealed that while 357 CCTV cameras were installed across 35 police stations in the city, none are equipped with audio recording functionality. According to the findings, most police stations have only 10 cameras each, with a few locations having 12 or 15 cameras.
"The absence of audio recording has prompted complaints from citizens who allege that police misconduct, including rude behaviour toward complainants and improper handling of complaints, goes undocumented. This situation reportedly eroded public trust in the police administration," said activist Ajay Jeya.
The activist called for the immediate installation of complete CCTV systems with audio recording capabilities to ensure better oversight of police operations and improve transparency in citizen interactions.
A senior police official responded to the concerns by explaining that the CCTV installation process is managed centrally by the Director General's office for the entire state. While the upgrade to include audio recording is being addressed at the state level, local police departments have no direct control over the installation process. They are, however, responsible for the daily monitoring and maintenance of the existing system. A check is kept on a day-to-day basis on the defunct CCTV cameras.
The RTI application, filed by a Thane-based social activist, revealed that while 357 CCTV cameras were installed across 35 police stations in the city, none are equipped with audio recording functionality. According to the findings, most police stations have only 10 cameras each, with a few locations having 12 or 15 cameras.
"The absence of audio recording has prompted complaints from citizens who allege that police misconduct, including rude behaviour toward complainants and improper handling of complaints, goes undocumented. This situation reportedly eroded public trust in the police administration," said activist Ajay Jeya.
The activist called for the immediate installation of complete CCTV systems with audio recording capabilities to ensure better oversight of police operations and improve transparency in citizen interactions.
A senior police official responded to the concerns by explaining that the CCTV installation process is managed centrally by the Director General's office for the entire state. While the upgrade to include audio recording is being addressed at the state level, local police departments have no direct control over the installation process. They are, however, responsible for the daily monitoring and maintenance of the existing system. A check is kept on a day-to-day basis on the defunct CCTV cameras.
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