Shortage of staff hits coastal security police

The coastal security police force which came into existence to face challenges of the intruders through sea route is facing acute shortage of staff. The sanctioned post is 570 and there are only 223 personnel now. The force has been facing more than 50 per cent of the shortage.

The coastal security police force came into force in 1999 to keep a vigil on 320-km long coastal belt in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts. Started with four stations, the coastal security police has 11 stations at present.

There is one station each at Gangolli, Malpe, Hejamady, Bhatkal, Honnavara, Kumta, Mangalore, Karwar and Belekeri. The coastal security police have been given with boats. The worrying factor is shortage of technicians to man the sophisticated boats. The sanctioned post of working staff is 438.

However, only 195 personnel are functioning. The coastal security police give priority to vigilance. To keep a tight vigil on the sea round the clock, there is a need for technical staff. The sanctioned post of technical staff is 118. However, in reality there are only 18 persons. The required strength to steer engine boat is 27.

However, the actual strength at present is two. The problem with the coastal security police force is that it has to do surveillance not only in the sea, but on the coast as well.

The existing staff has been working in shifts. It is a difficult task for us, the constables say. 

The shortage of staff has been affecting the coastal security police personnel as they have to work under tremendous pressure. Many a times they have to work round the clock. Speaking to Deccan Herald, IGP (internal security) Prathap Reddy said “the process of recruitment of technical staff is in progress.

The recruited staff will join the work within a month. There is no scope for direct recruitment for the police personnel. They have to be deployed from the police department. The Coastal security police force is serving the coast with the available man power. The surveillance can be intensified if the government recruits additional staff.”