Cuttack, June 8: The move to install closed-circuit television cameras to keep an eye on the activities of various police stations has drawn ire of some police officers here.

After Bhubaneswar, closed-circuit television cameras have now been installed at four police stations here as part of the ongoing policing system modernisation drive.

The surveillance cameras have been installed at Markat Nagar, Mangalabag, Mahila and Madhupatna police stations in the first phase.

“Now, we will have to be more cautious and there will also be tremendous pressure on our staff to discharge their duties,” said an official requesting anonymity.

“As part of the ongoing move to bring in more accountability among the officers and other personnel, the closed-circuit television cameras have been installed at four police stations to monitor all activities inside their premises,” said additional deputy commissioner of police Bidyutlata Nayak.

The initiative to monitor all activities on the police station campuses will also be helpful in putting a check on harassment by cops, atrocities and indulgence in corrupt practices.

Following installation of the closed-circuit television cameras, senior police officials will now be able to monitor the activities inside the police stations right from the headquarters.

There was a lot of hue and cry a few months ago after a youth had died allegedly because of police atrocities inside Energy police station here on March 1. A probe by the human rights protection cell was also ordered in connection with the incident.

Installation of closed-circuit television cameras is also likely to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the cops and the public.

“The inspectors in charge of the respective police stations will now be liable for any kind of irregularities by other staff in discharging their duties. This will benefit ordinary people like us,” said Shakti Nanda, a resident of Madhupatna. There are twenty police stations in Cuttack city. Other police stations will also be given surveillance cameras in subsequent phases.

Efforts have also begun for successful implementation of the crime and criminal-tracking network here.

At present 15 officers are being imparted training on the project that aims at nation-wide networking of the sophisticated tracking systems for investigation of crime and detection of criminals.