Naidu Calls for Visible, Tech-Driven Policing to Tackle Emerging Crimes
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday called for transforming the state police into a visible, technology-oriented and people-friendly force that can combat challenges including cybercrimes, misuse of social media and organized criminal activities.
Speaking here at the AP Police Retreat 2026 – Future Ready AP Police Conference, he said policing must evolve according to changing times and emphasized the need to restructure the police system to suit new age crimes. He advocated a shift from an “invisible police” approach to a “visible policing” approach while making extensive use of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to increase efficiency and public trust.
Recalling a similar Future Policing workshop held in 2001, Naidu said the crime landscape has changed drastically in the last 25 years. He stated that the misuse of social media by certain elements has created unrest in the society and the police must formulate effective strategies and deliver measurable results to maintain law and order.
Referring to the success of Operation Sindoor, the CM said technology enabled authorities to carry out the operation efficiently with minimum manpower, highlighting its transformative potential in modern policing. He also mentioned that the kidnapped Lord Hanuman idol was quickly recovered from the Tirumala footpath and said that timely use of technology prevented the spread of insecurity among the public.
Referring to the Pastor Praveen incident, he observed that it takes several days to counter misinformation and underlined the need to address false narratives faster.
The Prime Minister said the state had made significant progress in curbing cannabis cultivation and trafficking, but stressed that more efforts were needed as drug use destroys families and fuels crime.
He directed the authorities to further strengthen the dog squad and forensic departments.
Calling for institutional reform, Naidu sought reorientation of the police workforce through digital literacy, adoption of artificial intelligence, certification programs and specialized training in cybercrimes, crimes against women, narcotics control, social media-related crimes and improving conviction rates.
Naidu also suggested practical field experience for APSP trainees, more interaction between senior officers and technologists and better utilization of the experience of chief police officers and ASIs.
The three-day conference brought together senior IPS officers from across the state to deliberate on future policing strategies and create a citizen-centric, technology-enabled police force.
