For more eyes on streets,cops to take short-film route

Officers said the move to rope in pavement dwellers and vendors came about as the police felt they would be able to pass on information to them. “We decided to use them in our effort to curb crime in the zone. Our aim is to ensure that every possibility of law and order problems and crimes are reported to the nearest police station. It was then decided to educate pavement dwellers and local vendors about how crime can be curbed,” said DCP (Zone 1) Ravindra Shisve.

The documentary will include tips on how to stay alert,keep an eye on suspicious persons and also monitor their movements.

“It is observed that a video has more impact on persons rather than a lecture. With most of these people belonging to lower economic groups,who cannot read or write,we decided to show them a video clip that includes tips on how to stay alert and keep an eye out for suspicious persons,” said Shisve.

“We do our best to ensure that law and order is upheld and that crime is curbed. Every help and reliable information we receive goes a long way in our fight against crime. With this latest move,we are hoping to increase the number of informants and also have eyes and ears out on the roads. There are times when our personnel cannot be present everywhere. Such persons will be of help during such times,” said Shisve.

The police are also planning a detailed census of pavement dwellers and vendors in the area. “We will ask them for details like their names,contact numbers,where they hail from and will also keep their photographs for security purposes. It will help us locate them if we need any information and we will know the various persons who reside on the pavements,” he added.