Mangaluru: Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar on Tuesday visited the District Prison in Mangaluru to carry out a detailed inspection, review security arrangements and assess ongoing reforms within the prison system. The visit comes amid heightened focus on prison security, the use of advanced technology, and concerns over prohibited items entering correctional facilities across Karnataka.
Inspection of a ‘sensitive’ prison
Mangaluru District Prison has been categorised as a sensitive prison, and Alok Kumar emphasised that it is accorded the highest priority in terms of security and monitoring. Speaking to reporters after the inspection, the DGP said that Karnataka has a total of 54 prisons, all of which require periodic inspections to ensure compliance with rules, safety standards and correctional objectives.
“The Mangaluru prison is a sensitive prison and utmost priority is given for security,” Alok Kumar said. He added that prisoners who were found to be creating disturbances inside the prison had been identified and shifted to other prisons to prevent further disruption and maintain discipline.
The inspection covered security infrastructure, prisoner management practices, surveillance systems and coordination between prison officials and the police department. Senior police officers, including Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH and Superintendent of Police Arun K, were present during the visit.
AI-based surveillance on trial
One of the key aspects highlighted during the visit was the use of artificial intelligence-based surveillance systems in prisons. Alok Kumar said that AI surveillance is currently being used on a trial basis in select prisons and that its effectiveness is being closely evaluated.
“AI-based surveillance is being used on a trial basis, and based on its effectiveness, it will be implemented more widely,” he said. Trials have already been conducted at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru and Mysuru Prison.
Regarding Mangaluru prison, the DGP said a decision on conducting similar AI surveillance trials would be taken after reviewing the outcomes of existing pilots. The technology is expected to help detect unusual behaviour, improve monitoring of sensitive areas and strengthen overall prison security.
Cooperation for inmates with good conduct
Alok Kumar also underlined the importance of balancing strict security with reformative and corrective measures. He said that inmates who maintain good conduct would be extended cooperation and that discussions would be held with prison officials to explore ways to incentivise positive behaviour.
“Cooperation will be extended to inmates with good conduct, and discussions will be held with officials in this regard,” he said. Such measures are in line with the correctional philosophy of encouraging reform and rehabilitation rather than focusing solely on punishment.
Prohibited items and jammer issues
Addressing concerns over prohibited items entering prisons, the DGP said discussions are ongoing to identify loopholes and strengthen checks. The issue gained renewed attention after a mobile phone was seized inside the Mangaluru prison on Monday.
Referring to mobile phone jammers, Alok Kumar said the problem has persisted for nearly 15 years. Although jammers are recalibrated from time to time, technical and operational challenges continue to affect their effectiveness.
“The issues are being discussed with the concerned authorities,” he said, indicating that a long-term technical solution is being explored to curb the misuse of mobile phones inside prisons.
Role of prison control in law and order
Emphasising the broader impact of prison management on law and order, Alok Kumar said that effective control of prisons could significantly reduce crime outside.
“If prisons are kept under control, about 60 per cent of law and order issues can be managed, as those involved in major offences are lodged in jails,” he said. He explained that many such accused later come out on bail, and ensuring discipline and monitoring inside prisons can help prevent the continuation or planning of criminal activities.
He added that police inspections of prisons would continue in the future to maintain oversight and coordination between departments.
Prison shifting work and future plans
On the long-pending issue of shifting the Mangaluru prison to a new location, Alok Kumar said that work on the project is currently in progress. He stated that he would soon meet the Home Minister to appeal for faster execution of the project.
“I will meet the Home Minister shortly to appeal to accelerate the work. Even elected representatives should also draw the attention of the government in this regard,” he said.
The shifting of the prison is seen as crucial for improving infrastructure, easing congestion and enhancing security arrangements.
Guard of honour and official presence
Earlier in the day, Alok Kumar was accorded a guard of honour outside the prison premises, marking the importance of the visit. Several senior officials accompanied him during the inspection, reflecting the coordinated approach being taken towards prison reforms and security enhancement.
Conclusion
The DGP’s visit underscores the Karnataka government’s renewed focus on prison security, technological upgrades and correctional reforms. With AI-based surveillance being tested, stricter monitoring of prohibited items, and efforts to improve inmate management, the inspection signals a comprehensive approach to strengthening the prison system. As decisions on AI trials and infrastructure projects move forward, the coming months are expected to be crucial in shaping the future of prison administration in the state.