Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS)

Ahead of the implementation of new criminal laws, the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems (CCTNS) has undergone significant modifications.

About CCTNS:

1. Conceptualization and Implementation:
   1. CCTNS was conceived by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the National e-governance plan of India.
   2. It has been operational since 2009 as a "Mission Mode Project (MMP)."
2. Ambitious Goals:
   1. CCTNS aims to establish a comprehensive and integrated system to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of policing at the police station level nationwide.
3. Interlinking Police Stations:
   1. CCTNS aims to interlink all police stations under a common application software for various purposes such as investigation, data analytics, research, policymaking, and citizen-centric services.
4. Accessibility of Records:
   1. The records of crimes and criminals available at one police station will be accessible to any other police office, facilitating information sharing and collaboration.
5. Multiple Objectives:
   1. CCTNS aims to:
      1. Make police functioning citizen-friendly and transparent by automating police station operations.
      2. Improve citizen-centric services through effective use of ICT.
      3. Provide investigating officers with tools, technology, and information to facilitate crime investigation and criminal detection.
      4. Enhance police functioning in areas such as Law and Order and Traffic Management.
      5. Facilitate interaction and information sharing among police stations, districts, state/UT headquarters, and other police agencies.
      6. Assist senior police officers in managing the police force.
      7. Track the progress of cases, including in courts.
      8. Reduce manual and redundant record-keeping.
6. Collaborative Implementation:
   1. The CCTNS project is being implemented with close collaboration between the states and the Union Government.

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):

1. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is the central nodal agency responsible for managing CCTNS.
2. Established in 1986, NCRB serves as a repository of information on crime and criminals.
3. It comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.
4. NCRB collects and analyzes crime data, aiding investigators in tracing crimes and criminals.
5. Its headquarters is in New Delhi.
6. NCRB compiles and publishes national crime statistics, such as Crime in India, Accidental Deaths & Suicides, and Prison Statistics.
7. NCRB assists various states in capacity building in areas related to Information Technology, CCTNS, fingerprints, network security, and digital forensics.

First Information Report (FIR):

1. An FIR is information given to a police officer in writing as per the provisions of Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
2. From the informant's perspective, the main purpose of an FIR is to set the criminal law in motion.
3. For the police, the main purpose of an FIR is to obtain information about alleged criminal activity and take necessary steps to bring the perpetrator(s) before the court.

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi