JOIN US Increase in crime rate, especially murders, in Bangalore, in recent days seems to have forced the State Home department into action.
Home Minister R Ashoka told reporters on Monday that the department had decided to strengthen the City Crime Branch (CCB) by setting up separate wings over and above the existing wing for narcotics and human trafficking.
The number of posts of deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) will be increased to three from the existing one, he said.
Bangalore witnessed a surge in the number of murders in November. As many as 17 murders were reported in a span of 20 days last month, leading to safety concerns among residents.
“Though the City has been growing at a fast pace, the number of policemen has not increased. There is a shortage of police personnel across the State. Currently, about 18,000 posts in the department are vacant,” the minister said.
The recruitment policy is flawed. As the department has to obtain the Finance department’s permission for all appointments, it is a cumbersome process.
Hence, the Home department has submitted a proposal urging the government to allow it to fill all sanctioned posts in a phased manner.
The department is also planning to increase the number of police training units and shorten the training duration, he said.