Presence of PCRs makes a difference: Police commissioner

Face to face: An interview with Gurgaon police commissioner Navdeep Singh Virk

What security arrangements have you introduced for a safe festive season in Gurgaon?
I have issued strict instructions to station house officers (SHOs) to strategically deploy all PCR vans along roads in their areas. These include major crossings, markets and malls.

Gurgaon Commissioner of Police Navdeep Virk says PCR vans instil a sense of security in the people, especially the women. (HT File Photo)

Why is it so?
With PCRs spread across the city, our presence increases and instills a sense of safety and security in the people, especially the women. Mere presence of PCRs and policemen makes a lot of difference and makes people confident.

Have you increased the number of personnel and equipment?
No. We have 54 PCR vans and 50 bike-borne beat constables, who have been strategically positioned to make presence more visible. Our presence acts as a deterrent for criminals.

How do you manage the safety and security of revellers at the large public events such as Dussehra and Diwali melas?
After I joined Gurgaon as the police commissioner in November last year, I rolled out a protocol for public events organised by private players. Our senior officers visit the location before the event to assess the need for manpower. They also suggest the number of security personnel required for the event. The organisers hire the requisite guards from private security agencies.

What is the role of the police in such events?
Our role is supplementary and we provide our expertise. We provide security outside the venue. We also advise organisers on the need for equipment such as hand held or door-frame metal detectors, x-ray machines etc. We use them as source multipliers.

Can organisers hire services of the police department instead of private security guards?
In the present scenario, it is not possible for two reasons — we have only about 4,000 personnel and our services would be costlier, two to three times than private security.