Punjab Police Expands AI Crime Database with 72,000 Voice Samples
In a significant move to enhance law enforcement capabilities, Punjab Police has collected more than 72,000 voice samples from criminals and accused individuals. This initiative is part of the Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS) 2.0, a mobile-based application designed to digitise criminal records and automate searches for law enforcement agencies.
Voice Sample Integration in PAIS 2.0
The voice samples are recorded at the time of entry to jail, creating a comprehensive database within the app. PAIS 2.0 already contains digitised data of 3.5 lakh criminals and accused individuals who have been jailed. A Punjab Police officer explained, "After incorporating the voice sample feature in the app, in about four months, we collected more than 70,000 voice samples of the accused persons as they were brought to jail in different cases." The samples typically range from 30 seconds to 1 minute in length.
Targeting Extortion and Threat Cases
The primary aim of this database is to investigate extortion cases, where criminals often use phone calls to intimidate victims. The app utilises AI-based voice recognition software to compare extortion or threat calls against the stored voice samples. This technology helps law enforcement quickly identify suspects and strengthen investigations into such crimes.
Legal Framework and Data Collection
The collection of voice samples is conducted under the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022. This act empowers law enforcement to gather behavioural attributes, including voice samples, signatures, and handwriting. It replaces the outdated Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920, expanding the scope of data collection to include biological samples, behavioural attributes, and advanced biometrics like iris and retina scans, in addition to traditional methods such as fingerprints and photographs.
Digitisation of Investigation Reports
In addition to voice samples, Punjab Police has digitised over 1,000 investigation reports in PAIS 2.0. This allows investigators to analyse past cases and extract valuable information when handling new investigations. The officer noted that this feature enhances the efficiency and accuracy of criminal inquiries.
PAIS: The Backbone of Punjab Police
Launched in 2017, PAIS has become a critical tool for law enforcement in Punjab. The app's database includes photographs of criminals taken from three angles—right, left, and centre—to aid in identification. Since its inception, nearly 1 crore searches have been conducted on the app to match suspect photographs and analyse digitised data. The officer described PAIS as the "backbone of Punjab Police," highlighting its role in modernising crime-fighting efforts.
Currently, around 35,000 police officials in Punjab use the app. It also provides detailed information on gangsters, their immediate associates, and linked suspects, offering a holistic view of criminal networks in the state.
