MA Saleem.
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru: After the stampede in Bengaluru on June 4, the state police chief has issued a new set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for crowd management during large events and mass gatherings.
MA Saleem, Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), issued a detailed order for the same on June 26.
Among other things, Saleem has asked his staff to conduct simulations, safety audits, ensure proper coordination, develop a crowd management plan, have a defined command structure and prepare for emergencies.
Under pre-event planning and preparation, Salem asked his force to hold a simulation and risk assessment, including spatial analysis simulations and identification of bottlenecks and high-risk areas.
Saleem also asked his staff to audit of the venue to ensure compliance with safety standards, emergency evacuation plans and directed the officials to reject the approval for those failing the audit.
The DG & IGP also asked his force to ensure proper communication with event organisers, ensuring they gather critical details like expected footfall, nature and date of the event, assembly and dispersal plans, availability of emergency services, etc.
Further, Saleem asked his force to develop a crowd management plan with clearly assigned roles, movement control protocols, and emergency response plans.
The state police chief directed his staff to ensure deployment of trained personnel, entry screening and verification, queue management, signage and communication infrastructure, defined roles and responsibilities and a command structure. Under emergency preparedness, Saleem asked his staff to ensure an emergency response plan, hold drills and training, and ensure operational conduct during the event.
Saleem also outlined a specific crowd dispersal protocol and urged his team to only use force “when absolutely necessary and in minimum required quantity”. He also urged his policemen to avoid mass arrests unless legally and operationally warranted.
The DG & IGP further asked to maintain logs and ensure proper documentation and to follow proper arrest procedures when the need arises.