Mauritius Police to Modernize Systems with Rs 43 Million Budget

The Prime Minister outlined the police’s digital transformation plan, highlighting concerns about outdated systems. During a session at the National Assembly on June 17, MP Govinden Venkatasami asked about police IT equipment. In response, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam provided details on the current state of police technology and ongoing reform efforts.

He explained that all police stations are equipped with personal computers used for the Crime Occurrence Tracking System (COTS) and terminals accessing the Criminal Attribute Database (CADB).

These systems also support surveillance footage reviews, including the Safe City program.

The computers are replaced or updated as needed, with about 200 units added annually across the police force.

However, the main concern is the age of the systems themselves. The COTS platform, introduced in 2011 to manage and track complaints, has never been replaced, though it has been improved over the years.

The Prime Minister announced plans to replace it with a new, more efficient case management system that is compatible with current technology, faster, and offers greater storage capacity.

A specialized consultant will be hired for this project, following recommendations from the Central Informatics Bureau.

More alarming is the CADB database, operational since 1999, which has never been modernized.

It plays a key role in managing criminal records and suspect identification. The government has allocated Rs 43 million in the 2025-2026 budget to develop a new integrated system, including an updated CADB capable of handling biometric data.

The tender process is set to start by the end of August, with the new system expected to go live within two years.

Regarding video surveillance, systems are managed through rental agreements. Traditional CCTV cameras are maintained and upgraded by Brinks Ltd, while the Safe City network is operated by Mauritius Telecom.

A technological upgrade for Safe City is scheduled for December 2025, in line with the existing lease.

The Prime Minister criticized the previous government for leaving behind outdated equipment and neglecting investments in public security technology.

He emphasized that his government is now launching an ambitious reform plan focused on digital transformation as part of its 2025-2029 development program.

He also mentioned an upcoming cybersecurity law aligned with international standards and the creation of a national cybersecurity operations center, modeled after the UK’s system.

Source: Defi Media