All 800 PCR vans to be moved in to make city safe, secure

The Delhi police is all set to ensure that your New Year is safe and secure. Police chief BS Bassi has issued orders stating that there should be ‘visible policing’ in the national capital this year.

Delhi police has around 820 PCR vans out of which 800 vans are in a good enough condition to keep a vigil on the notorious elements. 

Usually, all 800 PCR vans are not on duty at the same time due to shortage of staff. However, under special orders from Bassi, the police will ensure that all 800 vans patrol the city from 31 December to 1 January.

‘We have instructed the patrolling staff to be present on 31 December for constant patrolling from 6 pm on 31 December to 12 am on 1 January. All 800 PCR vans will be on roads to avert any crime. Arrangement has also been made to keep a back-up of staff in case the need for more officers is felt,’ a senior police official told Millennium Post.

‘On several occasions such as Holi, Diwali and New Year, we expect large number of PCR calls. There are only 110 helpline connections dedicated for helpline number 100 and the total number of staff members is 120. Many times on such occasion callers are not able to get across because of high congestion in the network,’ the officer added. ‘For the New year, Delhi police has geared up its PCR staff members to take at least 1 lakh calls. As it is expected that the call rate may shoot up,’ he informed.

On the question of inconvenience caused to the public because of heavy patrolling, the officer said: ‘There is no other way. To ensure security, patrolling and checking suspicious people and their movements is necessary.’

Around 250 places, including well-known hotels, restaurants, farm houses, pubs, discotheques and other public places, have been identified where the inspectors and sub inspectors of the concerned police station will be deployed. ‘These 250 identified spots are very sensitive as large number of people will gather here and there is a possibility of eve-teasing, drunk driving. Police officers have been instructed to be on special alert after 6 pm on Tuesday to avert any crime, he said.

‘Our aim in not to spoil the New Year celebrations, rather police officers will follow people as their shadows to ensure their safety,’ TN Mohan, special police commissioner (operations) said.