Police plan to revive traffic warden system

The Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissionerate has called upon responsible citizens to join the traffic warden system in the twin cities, to improve the traffic management with public involvement.

Police Commissioner M N Nagaraj stated that NCC cadets, professionals, responsible citizens, and members of various organisations can become traffic wardens, while the Police Department would give them certificate and uniform. Traffic wardens are not active at present, he said.

Speaking after inaugurating the Crime Prevention Month programme organised by the Police Commissionerate and Ashok Nagar Police Station here on Thursday evening, he noted that the timings for the entry of heavy goods vehicles into the City would also be fixed, to reduce traffic congestion.

During the National Road Safety Week to be observed next month, the drive against helmetless riding by two-wheeler riders would be intensified, while the fine would be collected and cases would be booked for helmetless riding, he said.

Majority of autorickshaw drivers in the twin cities are running without permit. Instructions have also been issued to ensure that autorickshaw drivers should display their mobile number for the passengers, while they should wear uniform and keep all documents, Mr Nagaraj noted.

People-friendly policing

Karate training for women and civilian rifle training would be organised as part of people-friendly policing initiatives and to make citizens self-reliant, the police commissioner said.

Five lakh pamphlets having tips for safety and crime prevention are being distributed to houses by beat police constables, so that police and citizens can exchange their phone numbers also. Citizens should inform police in cases of narcotic drugs sale, gambling, prostitution, rowdism, and other criminal acts, and their names would not be disclosed even to the court, he assured.

Citizens should help accident victims to get medical care fast, and they would not be made as witness, if they are not willing, he said.

Mr Nagaraj said, people should have faith in police, and they should be alert also, while they have right for self-defense too.

The twin cities have 1,277 rowdy-sheeters and more than 1,000 other criminals. If criminals are not punished, they may commit the crime again. Therefore, the affected people should not hesitate to give evidence in court, and it is a social responsibility also. Both police and society should give a message to the criminals that violation of law could not be tolerated, he added.

Reward

Mr Nagaraj also announced Rs 5,000 cash reward to Ashok Nagar police team for detecting a major gold ornament theft case, and recovering stolen mangalsutras. He also asked police officials to screen traffic rules awareness videos in colleges.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Renuka Sukumar highlighted the importance of public participation for effective policing. Citizens A D Kotnal and Siddu Mogalishettar also shared their views.

DCP (Crime & Traffic) B S Nemagouda, ACP (North) H K Pathan, ACP (South) N B Sakri, Police Inspector Jagadish Hanchinal, and others were present.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of essay competition held for school children. Best beat police of the month were also honoured. Videos on crime prevention measures and traffic rules were screened.