Mumbai Police are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent crimes and boost public safety, marking a significant shift in the city’s approach to law enforcement. From predicting crime hotspots to rapidly identifying suspects, AI-powered tools are helping officers stay one step ahead of criminals in India’s most populous metropolis.
Predictive Policing
In a major technological leap, Mumbai Police have rolled out an AI-based Predictive Policing System, developed in partnership with the K J Somaiya Institute of Technology. This system analyses five years of historical crime data to forecast where and when offences such as mobile theft, vehicle theft, and chain-snatching are most likely to occur.
The system uses advanced algorithms to identify patterns in past crimes. It then generates weekly reports for police officers, highlighting probable locations, times, and types of crimes. Monthly analytics further help officers track trends across different neighbourhoods.
According to police officials, the system has already shown promising results. During a pilot run in March 2025, the AI tool helped prevent three crimes in the city’s eastern districts by enabling officers to intervene before incidents took place. The predictive system achieved an accuracy rate of 75 per cent, a significant improvement over traditional methods.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Zone 6, stated, “The predictive policing system allows us to deploy our resources more efficiently and act before a crime happens, rather than just responding after the fact.”
AI-Driven Surveillance and Rapid Investigations
Mumbai’s extensive network of surveillance cameras is also getting a high-tech upgrade. The city now has around 10,000 police-managed CCTV cameras, supplemented by 70,000 more in private buildings and housing societies. These cameras are integrated with AI-powered facial recognition and automatic number plate recognition systems.
Earlier this year, following a high-profile attack in Mumbai, police used these AI tools to scan hours of CCTV footage. Investigators tracked the suspect’s movements, identified his face, and matched a motorcycle’s number plate, leading to his arrest within 72 hours. Officers say such rapid identification would have been nearly impossible without AI, given Mumbai’s population of over 22 million.
The city’s surveillance system is set for further expansion. The second phase of the Mumbai City Surveillance Project will add more advanced cameras capable of facial and iris recognition. These are linked to a growing digital database of known criminals, helping police identify repeat offenders more quickly.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has launched MARVEL (Maharashtra Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement), a dedicated unit that develops AI solutions for police across the state. MARVEL supports investigations into missing persons, stolen vehicles, and cybercrimes, providing technical expertise to officers on the ground.
Looking Ahead
Experts say Mumbai’s adoption of AI in policing is a model for other Indian cities. By combining predictive analytics, real-time surveillance, and rapid investigations, the city’s police force is moving from reactive to proactive crime prevention.
As technology continues to advance, officials believe AI will play an even greater role in keeping Mumbai safe. “AI is not just a tool for investigation; it’s becoming an essential part of our daily policing,” said a senior Mumbai Police official.
With these innovations, Mumbai Police are setting a new standard for law enforcement in urban India, using technology to protect citizens and prevent crime before it happens.
