9,000 CCTV Cameras to Monitor 606 Police Stations Across Jharkhand

Surveillance at police stations across Jharkhand is set to be strengthened with the state government approving a plan to install 9,006 audio-video CCTV cameras at 606 police stations.

The project has received revised administrative approval of around Rs 90 crore. The proposed surveillance network will cover key areas of police stations where interaction between police personnel and members of the public takes place.

Cameras will be installed at entry and exit points, areas near lock-ups, reception areas, lobbies, corridors and verandahs, as well as around the station in-charge’s office and other parts of the external premises.

Unlike conventional CCTV systems that record only video, the proposed cameras will also have audio-recording capabilities. The system is expected to operate round the clock, including at night. Recordings could be reviewed during investigations or in case of complaints and disputes involving activities inside or around police stations.

The project includes 5,012 dome cameras, 3,388 bullet cameras and 606 motorised varifocal cameras. A district-level control-room mechanism is also proposed to facilitate monitoring of the CCTV network.

The surveillance system is planned to be rolled out in phases between the financial years 2026-27 and 2030-31. Jharkhand IT (JAP-IT) will be responsible for procurement and installation of the cameras under the project.

The expansion of CCTV coverage is expected to create a more comprehensive record of activities at police stations while also providing investigators and senior officials with access to footage when required. The system could also help strengthen accountability in interactions between police personnel and citizens.

With all 606 police stations brought under the planned network, the initiative will create a large-scale surveillance infrastructure across the state, with both visual and audio records available for specified official and investigative purposes.