West Bengal Police Launches AI Cell to Revolutionize Law Enforcement Operations

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Kolkata:

West Bengal's Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, has mandated the creation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cell within the police department. This initiative aims to boost efficiency, transparency, and service quality across law enforcement operations.

According to the directive issued from the West Bengal Police Directorate at Bhawani Bhawan, an Additional Director General (ADG) rank officer will chair the Cell. This chairperson will oversee all policy decisions and general operations of the AI Cell.

The Cell's membership will include an officer of Inspector General (IG), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), or Superintendent of Police (SP) rank. These members will be tasked with coordination efforts, documentation processes, and monitoring work progression.

Two technical specialists will join the Cell as AI experts, providing essential technical evaluation support and consultation for AI technology implementation.

The notification also permits the Cell to recruit additional experts and resource personnel to enhance its capabilities. The entire operation will function under the administrative authority of the state's Director General of Police.

To ensure consistent progress, the Cell will conduct meetings at minimum bi-weekly intervals or as circumstances demand. Additionally, comprehensive progress and activity reports will be submitted to appropriate authorities semi-annually.

The AI Cell will be headquartered at the West Bengal Police Headquarters in Bhawani Bhawan. The police department has committed to providing all necessary administrative, technical, and financial support for the Cell's operations. DG Rajeev Kumar's order specifies immediate implementation, remaining effective until further notice.

This Artificial Intelligence Cell is designed to serve as a central unit for initiating, integrating, and managing all AI-related matters within the police force.

Among its responsibilities, the Cell will develop and update the AI strategy framework for the police organization—covering everything from policy formulation to strategic development. It will also recommend guidelines for ethical, transparent, and accountable AI usage.

The Cell will identify processes suitable for AI implementation to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities across police operations.

Coordination with all West Bengal Police branches for designing, developing, and deploying pilot AI projects will be another key function. To build internal capacity, the Cell will organize training programs, seminars, and workshops to improve AI literacy among officers and staff.

The Police Directorate has instructed the establishment of partnerships with academic institutions, industry partners, startups, and government bodies operating in the AI domain to foster research, collaboration, and strategic alliances.

Finally, leveraging AI technology for data management and security, the Directorate has ordered the development of data safety protocols to ensure privacy protection, cybersecurity, and compliance with government standards.