Public participation must to curb crime: IG

INSPECTOR GENERAL of Police Shailendra Shrivastava on Tuesday called for assigning a more proactive role to village-level suraksha samitis (defence committees) to check rising crime rates.

INSPECTOR GENERAL of Police Shailendra Shrivastava on Tuesday called for assigning a more proactive role to village-level suraksha samitis (defence committees) to check rising crime rates. The samitis’ brief, which is currently limited to assisting maintenance of law and order, should be expanded to include active crime prevention said the IG.

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The top cop asserted that effective community policing was a must to bring down the increasing number of robberies, dacoities and theft. The district police have adopted several innovative steps like launching the Mobile Thana to step up the fight against lawbreakers. Attempts are also underway to set up one model police station in each zone, he added.

The quality of policing can be gauged by the four ISO certifications, for the IGP office, Police Control Room and two police stations that have come the City’s way. The IG, however, asserted that citizen’s participation was essential for reducing crime.

Shrivastava made these remarks while addressing mediapersons at a year-end meet organised at the Superintendent of Police’s office. He also issued a list of ‘do’s and don’ts’ to City residents aimed at deterring burglars and housebreakers.

Earlier, Shrivastava called for greater understanding between cops and pressmen. Admitting that police hackles were sometimes raised by the scribes’ questions on spiralling crime rates, he advised police officials not to take the criticism personally.