Cop squad to return to protect tourists

In order to make the financial capital safer for foreigners, the Mumbai police have decided to revive its Tourist Police wing. In its proposal, officials have enlisted sexual crimes, fleecing by taxi drivers and instances of beggars hassling tourists as problems requiring immediate attention.

In order to make the financial capital safer for foreigners, the Mumbai police have decided to revive its Tourist Police wing. In its proposal, officials have enlisted sexual crimes, fleecing by taxi drivers and instances of beggars hassling tourists as problems requiring immediate attention.

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The newly-constituted team of policemen would have additional powers to prosecute an offender on the spot, and later transfer the case to the nearest police station. “Tourist Police will immediately register a case against those found hassling foreigners, and later transfer the case to the nearest police station. The police will also inform the concerned embassy about the action taken,” said Krishna Prakash, additional commissioner of police (south region). The tourist police would be provided adequate training to address these problems, Prakash added.

According to the proposal, the newly constituted force would be a proactive team that would provide information on travel and security to foreigners.

To ensure increased safety, the police would also make a list of hotels and other places where tourists stay and would interact with them. “The police would also be responsible for inspecting hotels and other spots frequently visited by tourists. They would also keep a tab on the safety and security aspects of these places and keep a check on unlicensed tourist guides,” said Prakash.

The ambitious makeover by the police force includes teaching the selected candidates frequently asked questions (FAQ) in various foreign languages. The force would also receive a special training in English and would also be trained in etiquette and mannerisms that would help project them as a polished force.