Himachal DGP rolls out 10 initiatives to refurbish cop image

Among other innovations,a GPS-enabled service has been introduced to intensify police patrolling,citizens charter implemented for 15 time-bound services and surnames removed from the names of officers to make the police set an example in the country.

Releasing the state’s crime data for 2011at a press conference,the DGP said: “The crime situation in the state is satisfactory. Despite a general trend of increase in the number of cases registered in police stations,Himachal Pradesh remained free from organised crime or serial gangs despite an increase in the number of tourists,industrial activity and hydro-power sector works.”

He added: “During the year,18,887 cases were registered as compared to 16,809 during the previous year. If the 2,522 cases of forest encroachment registered on directions of the high court are excluded,there is a decline of three per cent in the crime rate. Newly introduced services like SMS,lodging of FIRs on police website and e-Samadhan had also helped the citizens,especially senior citizens,women and youth to report crimes to the police.”

Singh said the police have introduced a compulsory annual audit of services to get independent feedback from the citizens and to monitor services like SMS and complaints on the website in a daily basis.

“Our analysis has revealed a decline of 6 to 12 per cent in crime against women. The cases of hurt and rioting have also shown a decline up to 16 per cent. Theft and burglaries cases,however,have gone up by 20 to 25 per cent,” said the DGP.

The narcotics and drug trade that has flourished in Himachal will be dealt with effectively by launching a biggest ever drive. A high power committee headed by chief secretary is working on plans to deal with the menace. The government is set to spend Rs 1 crore under NREGS to employ locals to destroy cannabis and poppy crops.