In a significant technological push to modernize policing, the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate has officially launched and deployed a new geolocation-based mobile application designed to enhance surveillance and public safety. The app, named 'PC City Shield', was unveiled by Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey during a media briefing on the crime statistics for the year 2025 held on Wednesday.
Core Features of the PC City Shield Application
The application serves as a comprehensive digital tool for various policing activities. Its primary functions include digitally mapping the movement of police personnel during city-wide patrols and enabling systematic checks on individuals with criminal records. A dedicated feature charts the patrolling routes and visit locations for the 'Damini Pathak' squads, which are specialized units tasked with preventing eve-teasing and ensuring women's safety.
Commissioner Choubey explained that the app also facilitates the marking of police checkpoints, road closures, and the coordination of routine checks during important festivals and public events. For the upcoming civic elections, the locations of all voting booths will be integrated into the application to streamline security arrangements and policing checks.
Mapping Criminal Residences and Patrol Points
A standout feature of 'PC City Shield' is the digital mapping of residences belonging to known criminals. As of now, the police have mapped the homes of 1585 criminals listed in their records, and the process of adding more is ongoing. When a police team conducts a preventive check on a history-sheeter, they can mark the criminal's status—present or absent—directly on the app at the location. This digital log makes monitoring night rounds, patrols, and criminal location checks far more efficient for supervisors.
The application's effectiveness relies on a detailed map of key points. There are a total of 1045 identified points on patrolling routes across the city. Out of these, 973 points were identified by the police stations themselves, while 72 points were added based on inputs received from citizens via social media. The app tracks and verifies whether a patrolling team has physically covered each designated point, with this data being reviewed the following day for accountability and feedback.
Impact on Policing Efficiency and Future Plans
The introduction of 'PC City Shield' marks a strategic shift towards data-driven and accountable policing in the Pimpri Chinchwad region. By having real-time and verifiable data on patrol movements and criminal checks, the police leadership can optimize resource deployment and response times. The integration of citizen-reported locations also fosters a collaborative approach to public safety.
Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey emphasized that the application is a key tool in preventive policing. The ability to digitally monitor the status of known offenders and ensure patrols cover sensitive areas, especially those highlighted for eve-teasing, is expected to act as a strong deterrent. With the civic elections on the horizon, the app's role in securing polling infrastructure will be its next major test, potentially setting a benchmark for other police commissionerates in the state.
