Frequent transfers affect police performance: CM

DCs, SPs should have at least two year term

At the senior police officers’ annual meet here on Monday, the Chief Minister said, “Frequent transfers take place in the police department due to various pressures. Each district should have the same DC and SP at least for a period of two years for better results. It’s high time we thought on those lines.”

An atmosphere of faith and trust is required to prevent crimes. Moreover, an ideal ratio between public and police will also check crimes. The policemen at taluk levels should develop better relations with the public by spending much time in stations. The higher ups should instruct their lower rung officers in this regard. The police will not achieve anything if they fail to take public into confidence, the CM noted.

Surprise visits

The top officers should address problems like refusal to entertain complaints at the stations. During the past few years, surprise and frequent visits by higher ups have come down. The surprise visits ensure lower rung officers to be on their toes. Hence, the top cops should concentrate on surprise visits, the CM said.

Referring to the department’s demands, he said the State government will soon promote eligible officers. The government is contemplating to introduce three-shift work schedule in police commissariat limits very soon. Twenty-five new police stations will be set up in different parts of the State, he revealed.

He also lauded the department’s efforts in ensuring free and fair polls last year.

Zero tolerance

Chief Secretary Ranganath stressed the importance of adopting zero tolerance while dealing with criminals. Efforts should be made to ensure better coordination between investigation and prosecution. The present system of registering complaints need to be more public friendly, he added.

He suggested the senior officers to contemplate whether prosecution is taking place properly and see if serious crimes can referred to agencies like CoD and CBI as they will have better training.

He suggested that crimes like imposition of fine up to Rs 1,000 can be handed to over to Head Constables or Assistant Sub Inspectors, while Police Inspectors and Circle Inspectors can concentrate on serious crimes.  

He suggested to follow the Gujarat police model of conducting departmental inquiry.