Chandigarh Police, emergency response now a tap away with e-Beatbook upgrade

Contacting the nearest beat officer, registering a grievance and tracking case progress will now be a click away as the Chandigarh Police rolls out an upgraded version of its e-Beatbook system, marking a shift towards integrated, data-driven policing.

The new system, aimed to offer improved accessibility, accountability and operational efficiency, introduces a series of structural and functional changes. It is intended to address the shortcomings of both the manual system and its first digital iteration, implemented six years back in 2019.

The new mobile application for instance will now allow users to identify and contact their local police station or the nearest beat officer.

Beat officers will be responsible for addressing residents’ issues and communicate with them directly. The system also supports regular updates from investigation officers, keeping complainants informed about the status of their cases.

The 2019 app did not include features for direct citizen interaction nor was there integration with national databases like Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) in earlier version.

By offering a platform that connects law-abiding citizens with local law enforcement, the Chandigarh Police aims to reinforce its commitment to transparent, efficient and participatory policing. The idea behind the e-Beatbook, according to the Chandigarh Police, was not to simply digitise police work but “democratise” it.

The new system also speeds up emergency responses through integration with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS -112).

Minimising paperwork

The new system also enables data-backed decisions in day-to-day operations. Unlike the 2019 version, which digitised beat data but retained structural inefficiencies, the 2025 upgrade introduces centralised data storage, uniform data formats, and real-time accessibility. Officers can now feed and retrieve data from the field without visiting police stations, minimising paperwork and the chances of human error.

At the frontline, beat constables and head constables will now be responsible for collecting, managing and utilising crime-related and civic data directly through the mobile app.

At the supervisory level, Station House Officers (SHOs) will manage jurisdictional data more effectively and assign tasks digitally based on complaints received through the app.

The system further allows detailed mapping of beat areas, including information on sensitive locations, vulnerable groups and key individuals. It also supports direct grievance redressal by routing citizen complaints to SHOs, who can allocate tasks digitally to field staff.

Chandigarh