Hyderabad: The Hyderabad City Police on Thursday launched the Advanced City Surveillance Grid Management Protocol along with the EYES (Empowering Your Everyday Safety) team to modernise and streamline the city’s vast CCTV network. This initiative aims to reduce downtime and ensure that over 1.6 lakh surveillance cameras across the city remain continuously operational.
EYES teams to lead rapid CCTV response
To boost on-ground efficiency, each police zone will now be equipped with two dedicated EYES field teams. These squads will conduct routine inspections, respond to urgent faults, and restore non-functional cameras. The teams will operate with a fleet of 10 two-wheelers, 4 four-wheelers, and a mechanised crane for elevated installations and repairs. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar, IPS, described the launch as a “milestone in city safety.”
Notably, the city’s surveillance network has grown significantly in recent years, comprising:
- Over 16,000 police-installed street cameras
- More than 50,000 community and private feeds
- Around 1 lakh citizen-funded ‘Nenu Saitam’ cameras
- Upcoming integration of police-operated drones
Seven key elements of the surveillance protocol
- Technology Due Diligence Team: Sets minimum technical standards, collaborates with innovation hubs, and explores emerging solutions.
- Camera Support Call Centre: Acts as the central point for damage reports, service ticketing, and footage-related queries.
- EYES Teams: Field technicians deployed zone-wise to handle faults and coordinate with contractors.
- Stores Management: Uses RFID tagging and systematic inventory to ensure timely supply of spare parts.
- Repair Centre: Conducts diagnostics, performs in-house component repairs, and manages warranty replacements.
- CSR Desk: Encourages citizen participation through campaigns like “Donate a Camera – Build a Safer Street”, in collaboration with Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC).
- Data Analytics Team: Provides real-time dashboards and insight-led planning for surveillance operations.
Community-led surveillance strengthening
Commissioner Sajjanar emphasised the vital role of public-private collaboration in enhancing safety. “This model brings together advanced tech, real-time response, and citizen engagement. We welcome communities to contribute to Hyderabad’s safety,” he said.
In a show of support, the Christian Leaders Forum donated ₹4 lakh to the initiative. The cheque was handed over by Central Zone DCP K. Shilpavalli, IPS.
Senior officers attend protocol launch
The launch event witnessed participation from top IPS officers, including Additional CP M. Srinivasulu, and DCPs K. Apoorva Rao, Swetha, Rakshitha Krishnamurthy, S. Rashmi Perumal, K. Shilpavalli, C. Roopesh, K. Kiran Prabhakar, B. Balaswamy, G. Chandramohan, CH. Srinivas, V. Aravind Babu, and P. Lavanya Naik Jadhav, along with ACPs, Additional DCPs, and inspectors from across the city.