Innovative ‘Traffic Sentinel Scheme’ of Goa Police.

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that Goa Police is about to complete one year of an innovative Community Policing Scheme called “Traffic Sentinel Scheme”.  This is first of its kind scheme in India in which any citizen can capture photo/video of certain visible traffic violations and upload them to Goa Traffic Police, which prosecutes the violators based on the photo/video evidence of the violation.

The Sentinel accrues points for each reported and validated offence and on accumulation of 100 points, a cash reward of Rs.1000/- is given to him.  So far 1,05,280 traffic violations have been reported by 2843 Sentinels and Rs. 11,92,000/- have been disbursed to these Sentinels as reward money and reward claims of more than Rs.23 lakh are under process.  Prosecution of traffic offenders reported by Sentinels has fetched government Rs.45,17,700/- in the form of fines collected from them.  On completion of one year, a Maruti Alto Car and Hero motorcycle will be given to two lucky traffic Sentinels in a bumper draw to be held soon.  H.E. Governor of Goa is being requested to be the Chief Guest on this occasion.

The scheme encourages traffic discipline amongst Sentinels, helps traffic Police in traffic law enforcement and adds to the income of the Sentinels without any burden on the state exchequer.  It also establishes a direct communication channel with sentinels and through them to other citizens of Goa.

The scheme has been awarded with Special Jury Award in the category of Road Safety and Traffic Management in FICCI Smart Policing Awards 2018.  The scheme, which was launched by Shri Manohar Parrikar, Hon’ble CM, Goa, has received an overwhelming response and has contributed towards reduction in deaths due to fatal accidents in Goa by 22%.

Now Goa Police is launching a Mobile App for easy reporting of traffic offences and back end automation of the entire process.  The Android based mobile APP has been developed by Goa Electronics Ltd., a PSU of Goa Government.   

Several states/UTs have shown interest in replicating this scheme and have sought details. I would be glad to share further details and mobile APP with interested states/UTs.