Special cop task force to protect women in Mumbai

Mumbai police commissioner will soon launch a new initiative called ‘Save My Number’ in which he asked 13 deputy commissioners to make at least three police officers and three constables available to respond to distress calls in their zones.

Getting in touch with the police in an emergency will now get easier, especially for women. Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria will soon launch a new initiative called ‘Save My Number’ in which he asked 13 deputy commissioners to make at least three police officers and three constables available to respond to distress calls in their zones.

The mobile numbers of these policemen will be displayed across major spots, such as religious places, schools, colleges and market areas across the city.

‘Officers or personnel enrolled in this special task force will ensure safeguarding the caller not only physically, but emotionally as well,’ said a police officer, on condition of anonymity.

The police are carefully vetting the special task force. “We are looking at policemen who can speak in English, Marathi and Hindi,” said a senior officer.

The additional commissioner of police (crime) office has asked for a list of at least 14 to 15 police officers from each zone before a final call is taken.

Finalising the special task force will involve an audition process, which will be carried out by senior police officers. The selected policemen will also go through training sessions before being deputed, police sources said.

Officials said the initiative is at a preliminary stage and selecting police officers from the force will take some time.