The Goa police has lost public confidence and their bosses live in denial of
the ground realities.Of late it is reported that there is a ROBIN motorbike
patrol ( supplied mostly reconditioned old bikes)supoposed to make themselves
felt , keeping Centralised Command in Police HQ informed with communication
sets that do not work! I read in TOI a case even Tel No 100 when contacted in
an emergency brought forth no reply.I must relate my experience with the
present DGP Bassi. I sent him an e-mail, but no acknowledgement.I rang up his
PA ,who hadn't a clue who receives e-mails. So much for e-governance and Goa
government departments! I rang the DSP after a week and asked him if received
.He said you tell me on the phone. I said I've sent it in writing, and if he
gives me an appointment I could explain what is wrong and sugestions for
improvement. No enthuasiam, so I inwarded a hard copy hoping for the best , as
under
The Director General of Police,
Panaji, Goa.
Sir,
LEADERSHIP
Reference my Telecon with you on 17/6/09 regarding my suggestions in public
interest sent to you via e-mail on 5th June09, I have not received any
acknowledgment to date. I have confirmed telephonically from SP Deshpande
(Police spokesperson) that Goapol has sent the letter to your office. I have
taken the trouble to list the lacunae that must be addressed .I am resident in
Goa, have senior retired police officers as my neighbours, and have seen and
dealt with police officials at all levels.( I can show you my file). The Goa
police are a demoralized lot, do not inspire credibility and confidence in the
people, and badly in need of good leadership for CHANGE. Please do not live in
denial! It is good that the CM is aware that the police needs to show a new and
human face. Towards this end it is reported that those visiting a police
station will be treated courteously. This is not enough to salvage the
reputation the police have in the eyes of the people
and the local authorities as seen in the Ad Hoc Panel recent Report (Newspaper
cutting attached).
2. Briefly the following may please be considered:
a) CHANGE IN MINDSET- Right from the DG to the lowest ranks. “Citizen Friendly”
must be the two new BUZZWORDS.
b) COMMUNICATION- There is poor inter department and police public interface.
Acknowledge letters, encourage anonymous tip offs, have systems in place to
disseminate and coordinate (e-mails can be automatically acknowledged)
c) ADMINISTRATION-i)Transfers- Must be de-politicised. There must be stringent
monitored Handing Over/Taking Over procedures for efficiency and follow up. A
proper and documented procedure for briefing is a must to ensure uniform
continuity, especially in ongoing investigations!
ii) Recording of Panchnamas, FIRs, charge sheet within 90 days Etc. Good
documentation required to obtain convictions and reopen shelved /poorly
investigated cases, to instill confidence in “The Long Arm of the Law”
.iii) Inter police stations, departments, inter state coordination upgrade.
iv)Information from all sources like newspapers, Television, police
stations/beats, intelligence organizations etc must flow in. Comments from
appropriate authorities sought if required to keep finger on the pulse.
(v) Recruiting and Training to be modernized.
vi) Follow up procedures and action where required as routine!
contd…………2
-2-
vii) Boosting morale by motivation and commending doing ones duty. Punishment
swiftly for negligence and incompetence
d) TRAFFIC POLICE- Cut a sorry figure as seen in the cartoon of cop giving
chocolate to two wheeler with helmet caption “You can speed, overtake from the
left/zig-zag, talk on mobile and break every rule as long as you wear helmet.
Please check every traffic rule being broken on the Mandovi bridges!
3. Police Reforms and Spine- Kiran Bedi has openly and boldly stated public
perception that the politicians have taken away the police spine. Do not wait
for Central Legislation. This may never come. Each State has powers to enact
their own keeping in mind local and compelling circumstances. There is enough
moral authority and backing by the Supreme Court, police reports and people’s
opinions.
4. Regarding shortage of staff, it is Quality of Leadership that counts.
Innovation, Lateral thinking, working smart making the best of what they have
,discipline , law and order is what the police is all about.
Thanking you,
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