Let’s welcome Bengaluru’s new Police Commissioner

Hameed Ashraf | NT

Bengaluru: With a population of over 10 million, Bengaluru is one of the third most populous cities in India. According to reports, the population in the city has more than doubled since 2001. There is no doubt that such an explosive growth rate can create considerable law enforcement and security challenges.

The Bengaluru Commissioner of Police (BCP) is responsible for maintaining law and order, providing security when needed, participating in community crime-prevention activities and managing traffic issues.

With the city getting a new Commissioner of Police in C H Pratap Reddy on Tuesday, all are keenly waiting for the reforms the experienced top cop will bring in to ensure a safe Bengaluru.

While assuming office on Tuesday, he stated that the fundamental function of the police force is to uphold and enforce laws and investigate crime and ensure the safety of the citizens. He also issued a stern warning to goondas and gamblers in the city.

What augurs well for the Bengalurians is his promise that no accused will be allowed to flee after committing crimes. The statement assumes significance as an acid attacker Nagesh had kept the city police on their toes for 15 days as he went into hiding after committing a crime on April 28. The police’s inability to arrest the accused immediately drew a lot of flak from the public. But the police could reclaim its lost face when they arrested him from an ashram in Tamil Nadu on May 14 (Saturday). It eventually turned out to be a perfect parting gift to departing Commissioner of Police Kamal Pant, who oversaw the law and order situation in the city for the past 22 months.

Going by his words, building confidence among the public appears to be the major task of the new police chief. The police always need the cooperation of the community to crack crime. So it is also important to gain the community’s confidence to improve policing.

The new police commissioner should try to widen the reach of the police department’s social media platforms. With more people relying on social media platforms to air their complaints, sprucing up the social media presence will address people’s grievances quickly.

Known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is home to people belonging to different communities, races and ethnic backgrounds. It is important for the officers to be able to communicate effectively with all groups. So the police should take necessary steps to reduce bias and improve cultural competency..

Janasamparka Divasa and Sanchara Samparka Divasa were two good platforms launched by the former police commissioner of Bengaluru, Kamal Pant. The platform gave an opportunity for police-public interaction to discuss crime and traffic-related issues.

The new police chief should also ensure fair treatment to citizens who visit the stations and those who come without any reference or recommendation.

Pratap Reddy’s assurance that he will ensure that there will be no untoward incident in the city will definitely boost the confidence of the people. Let us wish him all the very best.