One of the departments in the country, skilled in technology, Kerala Police has stepped up to provide training in disruptive technologies of AI and Data analytics. The objective of this step is to stay ahead in the era of digital transformation. A training programme is specially designed by the country’s first on-campus digital university, the Digital University of Kerala to aid the police department in their novel venture. 

Earlier this week, a programme on Capacity building on Responsible AI and Data analytics was launched at the DUK’s (Digital University of Kerala) campus at Pallippuram, as per a statement by a police official. The programme was inaugurated by Inspector General of Police, P. Prakash. In the function he said that the department is currently working on a new software called iCoPs to leverage massive amount of crime data available in the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & System (CCTNS). Deployment of AI in the system will enable the department to create features that will set loose next generation policing. Alongside, this leapfrog in the technological approach of the department, it will also aid in reducing the workload of the officers at police stations, thereby embedding the public with better service from the police. 

According to the DUK Vice Chancellor Saji Gopinath, this program will mark the next level of e-Governance. He stated that the stage has arrived where we commence optimising the processes, making the government smart and predictive, or intelligent. He also regarded that he is happy that they are starting this series with the Kerala Police. 

AI and Data Analytics sounds very “futuristic”, says Snehil Kumar Singh, Director, Kerala State IT Mission. However, we are in the middle of dealing the possibility of using those in governance. He added.

The director of the IT mission opined that the entire e-governance initiative was the intended to introduce different applications, hardwares and products, which will ultimately improve the governance in general. He said that “Now it is time we start onboarding people who have certain idea in data analytics and AI so that governance itself improves”. 

The programme will have 150 hours of classroom sessions. The sessions will be handled by industry experts and researchers. The training which will occur batch wise will have 15 selected police officers from the department to undergo training in the first batch.