Description

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Context:

The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems allows police across the country to file first information reports, chargesheets, and investigation reports.

About CCTNS

The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) is a centralized online platform conceived under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

It was launched in 2009 with a budget of ₹2,000 crore and is part of India's National e-Governance Plan.

Its goal is to create a comprehensive and integrated system for increasing the efficiency and transparency of police operations at the level of police stations.

Objectives

Provide citizen-oriented police services through a web portal.
Enable pan-India searches of the National Crime and Criminal Records Database.
Create state and central-level criminal complaints and criminal complaints.
Automate police processes for better coordination and accountability.

Classified as a Mission Mode Project (MMP), the system provides law enforcement with tools for investigation, data analysis, policy development, and citizen-focused service delivery.

Key features of CCTNS

Nationwide Integration: It connects all 17,130 police stations in 28 states and 8 union territories. Recently, 100% deployment has been achieved, even in remote areas like Manipur, Nagaland and Lakshadweep.

Comprehensive Crime Database: Maintains records of accused persons, habitual offenders, declared offenders, and crime-related data such as missing persons and stolen vehicles.

Analytical Tools: Generates crime statistics and detailed reports for analysis at the police station level.

Citizen Services: Enables tracking of complaints, verification requests, and case updates, making police processes more accessible.

Expanded scope: Integration with the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), linking police data with courts, prisons, prosecution, forensic and fingerprint databases.

Key Modifications Under New Criminal Laws

CCTNS Role	Facilitates the implementation of new criminal laws introduced on 1 July 2024.
New Laws Introduced	Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam: Replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita: Replaces the Penal Code of 1898.
Key Updates
Mandatory Video Recording	Video recording of crime scenes and collection of forensic evidence in cases punishable by more than seven years.
Forensic Investigation	Biological samples were taken at the request of investigating officials.
Arrest Transparency	Approval from a senior officer is required for arrests in specific cases. Arrest information is shared with relatives and published.
Case Follow-up	Victims were informed of the progress of the investigation within 90 days.
Digital News	Daily diaries are sent to municipalities once a fortnight.

About the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

Established: 1986. Based on the recommendations of the Tandon Committee and the National Police Commission (1977).

Headquarters: New Delhi.

Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Function:

It serves as a repository of crime and criminal activity data.
It publishes news like Crime in India, Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India, and Jail Statistics.
It houses the Central Finger Print Bureau for fingerprint data.
It supports States with capacity building in IT, CCTNS, digital forensics, and network security.
It helps investigators in crime analysis and tracking criminals.

READ ABOUT

PERSPECTIVE|GOOD GOVERNANCE

E-Governance

NeSDA PORTAL

National Crime Records Bureau

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)

Source:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Evaluate the impact of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) on modernizing the Indian police force. Discuss the challenges faced in its implementation and suggest strategies for overcoming these hurdles. (250 words)