Koraput: Jeypore police are turning to technology to keep a closer watch on the town after dark, rolling out NightVigil, a GPS-enabled night patrolling system aimed at preventing crime and speeding up police response.Police are hopeful that the initiative, which is being introduced for the first time in the district, will make night patrolling more visible, systematic and accountable. “NightVigil will enable us to monitor patrol teams in real time, improve coverage of vulnerable locations and deploy our resources more effectively,” said SDPO (Jeypore) Archita Mittal.According to Mittal, under the pilot project, the Jeypore Town police jurisdiction has been divided into three patrol sectors, with dedicated motorcycles assigned to vulnerable and crime-prone locations. These include deserted stretches, market areas and entry-exit routes identified through past crime data and police intelligence.GPS tracking, geofencing and a live monitoring dashboard form the backbone of the system. Supervisory officers can track patrol teams in real time and identify prolonged halts, deviations from assigned zones or gaps in coverage.“Technology will help us move beyond routine patrolling and use real-time information to identify vulnerable pockets and improve deployment,” Mittal said.The system also links static police deployments and local community guards to create a coordinated night-safety network.Police will analyse patrol data to generate heatmaps, helping identify crime-prone pockets and optimise patrol routes and manpower deployment. The system is also proposed to be integrated with ERSS helpline 112 for faster response to emergency calls, the SDPO said.Currently being piloted in Jeypore Town, NightVigil is planned to be extended to other parts of the subdivision. The initiative seeks to make night policing more visible and responsive while using data and technology to prevent crime before it occurs, she added.With the festive season round the corner and markets expected to witness increased footfall after dark, the police initiative has been welcomed by local residents.“The technology-driven patrolling will provide a greater sense of security, particularly during the festive season when markets and public places remain crowded till late in the evening. Visible and regular police patrolling will reassure residents and also act as a deterrent to criminals,” said Sanjay Hota, a Jeypore resident.The technology-driven patrolling will provide a greater sense of security, particularly during the festive season when markets and public places remain crowded till late in the evening. Visible and regular police patrolling will reassure residents and also act as a deterrent to criminals, said Sanjay Hota, a Jeypore resident.