Mangaluru (The Hindu): To avoid duplication of statements — first physically recorded and then entered into the police IT system — the Dakshina Kannada police have started using notepads, wireless printers and data cards to speed up the process of documentation.

On a pilot basis, four police stations in Dakshina Kannada have been given notepads, wireless printers and data cards that will be used for recording mahazar, witness statements and inquest reports. If the police find it helpful, these devices may be used in other police stations in the State.

Superintendent of Police Bhushan Gulabrao Borase said the police spent a lot of time physically recording statements and then entering them in the IT system. Following a suggestion during a district review meeting, Mr. Borase proposed to the Additional Director-General of Police (Computer Wing) to allow use of notepads, wireless printers and data cards.

The Bantwal, Puttur, Sullia, and Belthangady police stations on Saturday received four sets of these items. Mr. Borase said the police can now record the mahazar on the spot, and take witness statements and file inquest reports on the notepad.

These statements can be immediately transferred to the police IT system using the data card. A printout of the document can be taken on the spot and signatures of officials and witnesses taken on them.

Photographs, videos and sketches of the crime scene can also be transferred to the system using the notepad, Mr. Borase added.