Lucknow police stations and outposts now have CCTV cameras monitoring 8,000 personnel to enhance transparency and accountability as per Supreme Court directives
CCTV Cameras Installed in Lucknow Police Stations
Police stations have been places where authority is often hidden from the public. In Lucknow, this is changing. Officials stated that CCTV cameras have been installed at all 54 police stations and over 200 police outposts. Nearly 8,000 police personnel are now under constant electronic surveillance.
The expanded CCTV network follows the Supreme Court’s directions. Police present this as a move towards greater transparency and accountability in daily policing. Senior officers say this aims to ensure that law enforcers are also under continuous oversight.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Babloo Kumar mentioned that CCTV cameras are in all public areas of police stations. This includes entry and exit points, general diary (GD) offices, lock-up corridors, and other areas where police work and public interaction occur. “There are no blind spots in police functioning anymore. All critical areas are now under camera surveillance,” he said.
The new system allows senior officers, like assistant commissioners of police (ACPs) and deputy commissioners of police (DCPs), to access live and recorded footage. Officials noted this would ensure constant supervision and quicker action in case of irregularities.
This initiative is important due to ongoing complaints about custodial violence, illegal detention, and bribery. Police officials believe the CCTV system will deter misconduct and protect personnel from false allegations.
“Cameras protect both sides, the public and the police. Every action is recorded, which brings clarity in case of disputes,” another senior officer said. “Being the state capital, Lucknow has been given special focus under the surveillance plan,” the JCP added.
The CCTV network also covers 99 pink booths, each equipped with three to four cameras. Officials stated that CCTV footage is securely stored and regularly reviewed, with oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with Supreme Court guidelines.
The Supreme Court first directed the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations in 2017. The order was reiterated in later rulings related to custodial torture and human rights violations. In 2020, all states and Union Territories were asked to report compliance and set up oversight committees to monitor implementation.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lucknow |
| Police Stations | 54 |
| Police Outposts | Over 200 |
| Police Personnel Under Surveillance | Nearly 8,000 |
| Pink Booths Covered | 99 |
| Cameras per Pink Booth | 3 to 4 |
| Supreme Court Directive Year | 2017 |
