Kanpur police adopt QR code system to digitise evidence storage and tracking

Kanpur Dehat Police Superintendent Shraddha Narendra Pandey on Monday inspected the newly implemented digital evidence management system at Rura Police Station, marking a significant step towards modernizing police evidence storage and tracking across the district. The surprise inspection focused on evaluating the maintenance, categorization, and digital tracking mechanisms of seized and recovered items stored at the police station's malkhana, or evidence room.

The digital system has transformed the traditional evidence management process through a comprehensive QR code-based tracking mechanism. Under the new arrangement, all seized items are systematically organized in year-wise racks and sub-racks, with each storage box tagged with a unique QR code. When investigating officers enter the FIR number into the software, the system instantly displays the precise rack and sub-rack location of the relevant evidence. Similarly, scanning the QR code on any box immediately brings up complete details including case information, type of seized material, and the investigating officer's credentials on the screen.

The dashboard interface provides categorized digital records of different types of evidence including cash, gold and silver, weapons, NDPS materials, electronics, documents, unclaimed property, and confiscated items. This classification system enables quick retrieval and better inventory management, addressing a long-standing challenge in police evidence handling where locating specific items could take hours or even days.

Appreciating the transparent system, SP Pandey stated that this digital mechanism would facilitate faster case disposal and swift identification of evidence. She issued strict instructions to the police personnel present to maintain regular updates of digital records and ensure complete transparency in evidence maintenance. The initiative is expected to enhance accountability and reduce instances of evidence mismanagement.

The Rura Police Station's digital malkhana could serve as a model for other police stations in the district, potentially revolutionizing evidence management practices across Kanpur Dehat. The system addresses critical issues of evidence tampering, loss, and delays in criminal proceedings that often arise from poor storage management.