AI Transforms Prison Surveillance in West Bengal

Published Date : 6/9/2025 

West Bengal is deploying advanced AI systems to enhance prison surveillance, aiming to prevent criminal activities and improve inmate rehabilitation. 

Prisons are meant to reform offenders, but all too often, they morph into breeding grounds for criminal networks. From smuggling contraband to orchestrating crimes outside jail walls, several inmates continue their illegal pursuits even while behind bars. Determined to crack down on this shadow world, the state is now deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to tighten prison surveillance.

West Bengal has nearly 60 correctional facilities, ranging from district jails to central prisons. While most are equipped with CCTV coverage, authorities admit gaps remain. “We cannot keep human eyes on every corner, every second. Even one moment of negligence can lead to chaos,” said a prison guard.

AI-powered cameras for real-time alerts

Unlike traditional cameras that merely record, AI-enabled systems will actively monitor movements and behavior. “From inmate clashes and violent outbursts to escape attempts, the system will instantly alert guards, ensuring swift intervention,” said an officer at a central jail in Kolkata. The system will also integrate biometric data—facial features, eye scans, handprints, and fingerprints of each inmate—to enable 24/7 tracking and prevent unauthorized movement.

Contraband detection inside cells

According to Correction Home officials, AI’s image-processing capabilities will help scan for prohibited items. “Whether it is mobile phones, narcotics, or hidden weapons, the system will flag them. It will also track unusual gatherings or covert exchanges to uncover drug trafficking and secret networks inside jails,” said a senior officer. The technology also brings a psychological dimension. By analyzing body language, AI can identify signs of distress, agitation, or suicidal tendencies. “This will not only help avert unpleasant incidents but also enable timely rehabilitation,” noted an officer of Dum Dum jail.

Expert views

Cybersecurity expert Sandeep Sengupta explained, “If AI is trained to identify a person or object, the camera can track them continuously. The moment a danger signal appears, AI instantly alerts the admin. This proactive mechanism can avert major threats.” Officials say the initiative marks a significant leap in prison administration. “CCTV gave us eyes. AI will give those eyes intelligence,” remarked a senior correctional officer.

By integrating AI-driven surveillance, the state hopes to dismantle criminal nexuses within prisons and restore correctional homes to their original purpose—discipline, security, and rehabilitation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of deploying AI in West Bengal's prisons?

A: The main goal is to enhance surveillance and prevent criminal activities within prisons, ensuring better security and rehabilitation.

Q: How does AI help in identifying contraband items in prisons?

A: AI systems use image-processing capabilities to scan for prohibited items like mobile phones, narcotics, and weapons, flagging them for immediate attention.

Q: What kind of biometric data is integrated into the AI system?

A: The AI system integrates biometric data such as facial features, eye scans, handprints, and fingerprints to enable 24/7 tracking and prevent unauthorized movement.

Q: How does AI help in identifying psychological issues among inmates?

A: AI analyzes body language to identify signs of distress, agitation, or suicidal tendencies, enabling timely intervention and rehabilitation.

Q: What is the expected impact of AI on prison administration?

A: The expected impact is a significant improvement in security, discipline, and the overall rehabilitation process, helping to dismantle criminal networks within prisons. 

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