New commissioner wants smart, presentable traffic policemen

Less than a year ago, overweight and potbellied Delhi traffic policemen were directed to either shape up or face the consequences. The focus now is making them more smart and presentable. Subhendu Ray reports.

Less than a year ago, overweight and potbellied Delhi traffic policemen were directed to either shape up or face the consequences. The focus now is making them more smart and presentable.

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"We want a complete makeover of the traffic force. They need to be fit and look presentable," said Sudhir Yadav, special commissioner of police (traffic). This directive comes a few days after the new police commissioner, Neeraj Kumar, took charge.

The new commissioner has ordered that traffic policemen on duty must wear clean, ironed uniform along with polished shoes, sources said.

Kumar has also directed the seniors to ensure that traffic policemen wear white gloves while they manually manage traffic at intersections.

"Traffic police would not be allowed to casually fold the sleeves of their shirts while on duty. Ideally, they should keep the sleeves buttoned all the time. But in case of extreme heat and humidity, if they feel like folding the sleeves of their shirts, these should be folded properly, up to above elbow level," Yadav said.

The department has decided to generate awareness among its 6,000 men and women about the need to look smart and presentable. Sources said those policemen who do not follow the directive would be punished.

Last October, the police department had asked its men to shed flab and had given them two months' time to get in shape.

In December, the police department had conducted a fitness test on 84 oversized men in which 25 had failed the test and were sent to non-field postings.