Bengaluru city police introduce QR code system to catalogue seized items for greater transparency

To avoid instances of seized items being misused by officials, the Bengaluru city police have adopted a QR code-based system to mark and catalogue recovered items and property, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda said.
| Photo Credit: PTI

The Bengaluru city police have adopted digital technology by implementing a QR code-based system to mark and catalogue recovered items and property.

This will not only ensure accountability and transparency but also to provide detailed information of every seized item with just a scan, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda said. 

Earlier, there have been instances where the seized items have been misused by officials and cases have also been booked. In some instances, officers, upon transfer handing over charge to a new officer in that posting, have failed to account for items that had been in their custody.

In such cases too, FIRs have been registered against them. This also compromises trials in these cases, a senior official said, adding that the QR code system would avoid such embarrassments to the Department. 

“The QR code initiative aims to  improve the safety and accountability of items such as jewellery, cash, and other valuables, thereby eliminating discrepancies in inventory handling and ensuring transparency in police operations,” Mr. Dayananda said. 

A dedicated software has been developed to support the QR code system. When the QR code is scanned, it will take one to a page with details of seized items, date, case-related details and other particulars. This will also allow senior officers to periodically audit the status of these items and trace them easily during court hearings.