IPS Gautam Goyal, a 2019 batch officer of Tamil Nadu cadre is currently posted as Superintendent of Police in Salem, Tamil Nadu. His multifaceted approach in the district includes tackling drug trafficking, reducing accidents, modernizing crime mapping, and enhancing surveillance to curb robberies and housebreaking.

In addressing drug related crimes, Goyal is implementing a broader strategy that goes beyond targeting small quantities like 10 or 100 grams. It includes leveraging jail intelligence “This involves going to central jails and speaking to accused individuals already in custody to gather information on how their operations functioned,” he explained. Additionally, he emphasised the strict monitoring of routes used for drug trafficking “This region has become a significant transit point in the state for drugs moving between India and Sri Lanka, and vice versa,” he added.

Another critical issue in Salem is the safety of isolated farmhouses with farmers living alone as they become targets for gangs. "Children typically don't stay here, which creates security issues. Recently, several murder cases have been reported where gangs targeted these properties, knowing there would be minimal resistance and easy access to valuables," he said.

Recognising these challenges, Goyal’s team has mapped nearly 2000 farmhouses with precise latitude and longitude “By the end of the month, we will also begin installing CCTV cameras in these areas to enhance surveillance,” he stated. He emphasised that the extensive jurisdiction of police stations, often covering approximately 20 kilometres make these measures essential “Whoever is on duty at the station will be able to monitor the area. Even if they can't visit every house, they can still view the entire area remotely.” he added 

Additionally Under his leadership police patrolling which was previously random has been recalculated through modernised mapping “Previously, patrolling patterns were based on decades-old data. Now, we are geo-locating crime figures on the maps for more accurate and strategic patrolling," he explained.

Lastly, road safety, particularly along National Highway 44, forms another crucial part of Goyal's district-wide approach. It involves making violators sit through 20-minute sessions that include briefings and street plays. “We make them sit for 20 minutes and give a detailed briefing, often coupled with a street play” he said. Additionally efforts are extended to schools and colleges, educating students on traffic rules and encouraging them to monitor their parents.