PCR vans to follow fit-yes, fat-no rule

Delhi Police, wary of presenting a horizontally challenged image of itself during the Commonwealth Games, has fired a 'broad-side' on personnel with waistline issues. HT Correspondent reports.

Delhi Police, wary of presenting a horizontally challenged image of itself during the Commonwealth Games, has fired a 'broad-side' on personnel with waistline issues.

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Out if you are fat seemed to be the underlying message when Kewal Singh, additional commissioner of police (PCR) told HT, "Commonwealth Games is an event of national prestige, so we will deploy only fit and strong men in PCR vans stationed along the routes of the Games venues and stadia."

Around 780 "fit" policemen in 260 vans will man the routes that will be used by delegates and players during the Games in October.

Singh said there was no specific age group the Delhi Police was narrowing down on and was instead instead banking on selection of fit personnel through "personal experience".

No "overweight" policeman would be deployed in these vans. The induction is expected to be completed by mid-September.

Those selected will be trained in spoken English and soft skills required to assist foreign delegates and domestic visitors.

"If there is any contingency, these men should be fit enough to carry people and rush them to hospitals," he said.

The PCR vans will be fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) that will be accessed through a centralised command centre at the police headquarters at ITO.