The Rourkela Police District has unveiled its annual performance report, showcasing a year of significant achievements in law and order for 2025. The force highlighted a dramatic reduction in serious crimes, improved detection rates, and a strengthened bond with the community, while charting a course for more professional and technology-aided policing in the coming year.
Sharp Decline in Property and Violent Crimes
One of the most notable successes for the Rourkela police in 2025 was the substantial decrease in major property offences. The district recorded an overall 70% reduction in incidents of dacoity, robbery, and snatching compared to the figures from 2024. Authorities credit this success to a multi-pronged strategy involving focused preventive measures, intensified patrolling across the city, and decisive action against known habitual offenders.
Furthermore, other property crimes, including burglary and motor vehicle theft, also saw a positive trend with a 20% decline. This improvement was significantly boosted by the introduction of systematic beat patrolling in the latter half of the year, which was closely monitored using a dedicated e-beat application. Through these concerted efforts, the police were able to arrest a total of 460 individuals involved in property offences throughout 2025.
Enhanced Detection and Focus on Special Operations
The year also witnessed a remarkable improvement in the police's ability to solve cases. The detection rate for property offences jumped from 32% to an impressive 52%. Specifically, detection rates reached 85% for dacoity cases and 61% for robbery cases. This leap forward is attributed to better investigative techniques, closer supervision of cases, and the increased integration of technology in police work.
Rourkela police also made their mark in tackling modern and organized crime. The district emerged as a leader in Odisha in combating cyber crime, with the arrest of 65 cyber criminals from various states. In the fight against narcotics and illegal weapons, special operations led to the arrest of 62 persons under the NDPS Act and 118 persons under the Arms Act. Additionally, the police cracked down on illegal sand mining, registering more than 120 cases related to the offence in 2025.
Community Engagement and the Road Ahead for 2026
Beyond enforcement, the police department emphasized the importance of building public trust. The use of data-based deployment and crime mapping helped prevent offences and improve emergency response times. A strong emphasis was placed on community outreach programs in schools, colleges, industrial areas, and residential neighbourhoods. These programs focused on raising awareness about cyber safety, traffic discipline, and women's safety, contributing to a 25% decline in crimes against women in 2025.
Looking forward to 2026, the Rourkela police have committed to building on this foundation. The central theme for the upcoming year will be to evolve into a more professional, technology-enabled, and citizen-centric police force. The aim is to leverage innovation and community partnership further to ensure Rourkela remains a safe and secure city for all its residents.
