City’s police stations rated on working conditions

The Mumbai police administration has begun the process of reviewing and rating each of its 91 police stations.

The Mumbai police administration has begun the process of reviewing and rating each of its 91 police stations.

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This, said deputy commissioner of police, Operations, Rajkumar Vhatkar is because the administration felt that well-maintained police stations improve the performance of police officers.

The police stations are being rated, in stars, on the basis of their location, infrastructure, sitting arrangements, spaciousness of the compounds, lighting and interiors.

So far, police stations at Ghatkopar, Bandra-Kurla Complex, RCF, MHB Colony have received a five-star rating. “The upscale look makes these stations very citizen friendly,” Vhatkar added.

Police stations at Dindoshi, Borivli, Cuffe Parade and LT Marg have received ratings of two to three stars.

“Though they do not meet all the conditions, they have adequate space and lighting and are located in areas which are easily accessible,” Vhatkar added.

On the other hand, police stations at Shivaji Nagar, Govandi, Kanjurmarg, Vinoba Bhave Nagar, Dharavi, Khar and Samta Nagar have been rated poorly. “These police stations have been given a one-star rating,” Vhatkar said. “It will be our endeavour to improve their ratings by bringing about the necessary changes in them.”

“If we get adequate land, we will construct a new police station in the area with the required facilities,” Vhatkar added.

In stations that are not in dire straits, the police will undertake renovation work. For this, the police may seek help from the private sector. “Only private companies with impeccable reputation will be approached to adopt certain police stations,” he added.

Sources in the Mumbai police said the idea of a review came about when Mumbai police commissioner Arup Patnaik made an unscheduled visit to the Malad police station in March this year.

When Patnaik saw the poor conditions of the police station campus, he initiated disciplinary action against the inspector in charge of the police station and ordered a face-lift of the campus. He also ordered a review of all police stations.

After Patnaik’s visit, the Malad police station, has been renovated and has been vying for a four-star rating following the facelift, Vhatkar added.