The Rourkela Police on Thursday inaugurated an Integrated Control Room (ICR) designed to strengthen public safety, improve real-time surveillance, and enable faster response in crime prevention and law enforcement across the city.

Located at the Rourkela District Police Office, the ICR is equipped with advanced technology that allows officers to monitor live activities, detect suspicious movements, and issue instant alerts to field units.

Currently, the system operates through a network of 220 surveillance cameras strategically placed across the city. This includes 100 solar-powered cameras, facial recognition system (FRS) cameras, and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Superintendent of Police Nitesh Wadhwani stated that more than 651 private road-facing cameras have also been mapped under a community-based policing initiative. “Owners of around 400 private cameras have volunteered to share live feeds, marking a new era of collective security in Rourkela. These will be integrated with the police surveillance network via optical fibre connections,” he said.

The ICR will function as a central command hub for data analysis, live monitoring, and inter-unit coordination, comprising the CCTV Cell, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) Cell, Smart e-Beat Cell, VHF Cell, and Traffic Cell.

According to the SP, the system’s predictive capabilities will help identify crime hotspots, track vehicles, and ensure swift responses to law-and-order situations. “The ICR enables faster data exchange among police units, ensuring rapid investigation and better field coordination,” he added.

In the coming weeks, the network will expand by adding 200 more surveillance cameras, further enhancing coverage. Additionally, about 600 CCTV cameras are being installed under the Rourkela Smart City Ltd’s electronic surveillance project, expected to become operational in the next few months.

To strengthen citizen participation, residents are being encouraged to join the ‘Pledge Your Camera’ initiative by registering on the Rourkela Police website or giving their consent via 8763146477, allowing their cameras to be connected to the police monitoring system.

The initiative marks a significant leap towards smart policing, combining technology, community engagement, and real-time analytics to build a safer and more responsive Rourkela.