In a significant technological leap, the Telangana Police have officially launched an advanced aerial surveillance system named TG-QUEST. Designed to function as an 'aerial patrol officer,' this system aims to bridge critical gaps in ground-level policing by providing a comprehensive view from the sky.
The Brains and Tech Behind TG-QUEST
The development of this innovative system was spearheaded by B Sumathi, the chief of the Telangana Special Intelligence Branch (SIB). The system's core revolves around a network of drones that stream live video feeds directly to police dashboards and command centers. As the footage is transmitted, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms analyze it in real-time.
For operational efficiency, drones can be dispatched to preloaded GPS coordinates to capture live images of specific people or locations. A practical application includes identifying establishments like pubs that operate beyond legally permitted hours.
Proactive Crime Detection and Analytics
The analytics layer of TG-QUEST is engineered to identify and flag a wide range of suspicious activities. The system monitors for unusual behavior patterns that could indicate potential criminal acts. Key markers it is designed to detect include:
- Loitering near residential properties
- Signs of attempted break-ins or forced entry
- Aggressive body postures and stalking cues
- Unusual crowd build-up in areas
- Various "pre-crime" indicators
Upon detecting such patterns, the system instantly pushes alerts to nearby patrol vehicles and the central command & control center, enabling a swift police response.
Offender Tracking and Traffic Management
For identifying individuals, TG-QUEST integrates a Facial Recognition System (FRS). This technology matches faces captured by drones against extensive police databases. It can cross-reference data to check for pending warrants, missing persons reports, and records of stolen vehicles.
In the realm of traffic enforcement, the AI is equipped to automatically detect violations. This includes identifying instances of wrong-side driving and illegal parking. The system can then generate electronic challans (fines), supported by video evidence. Additionally, it aids in clearing routes for emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, ensuring faster passage through traffic.
The Director General of Police (DGP) emphasized the system's unique advantage, stating that TG-QUEST fills operational gaps by seeing "what ground teams cannot." This integration of drone technology with real-time AI analytics marks a transformative step in modernizing law enforcement and public safety infrastructure in the state.
