Police get tough on govt vehicle misuse

We cant let public money go down the drain, asserts Shankar Bidari

The number is swelling by the day, as all the seven divisions in the City are in the process of surrendering their vehicles.

“It’s not just vehicles and manpower (drivers). Imagine the amount of fuel consumed by all these extra vehicles. So, through this simple move, we have saved crores of rupees,” said an elated Shankar Bidari after reviewing the impact of the order.

However, when asked about possible steps to reduce beacon-light vehicles ferrying schoolchildren and cops’ family members, he said, “We can't treat police officers like other government servants but this is just the first attempt.... In the days to come, everything will fall in line. We can’t let public money go down the drain,” said Bidari.

The commissioner cracked the whip and chalked out a vehicle distribution chart and circulated it to all the seven divisions –– East, West, North, South, Central, North-East, South-East –– in the city. Going by it, each DCP is allotted two four-wheelers, one for regular use and another for emergencies, while ACPs and inspectors get a four-wheeler each. Sub-inspectors are allotted motorcycles. Traffic police stations have a different module as some extra vehicles are allotted for assistant sub-inspectors and constables (Cobras).

Likewise, every police station will have six motorcycles and a four-wheeler allotted. Here too, there are exceptions as some police stations like Hulimavu, HSR Layout, Subramanyapura and Peenya which cover larger areas (jurisdictions) are given extra vehicles.

Petro Card for police

The special investigation teams are also provided with a four-wheeler and two-wheelers.
In another major attempt to save fuel, the city police  personnel are being given with petro cards. Police vehicles can refill their tanks at any Indian Oil outlets in the city. DCPs in charge of their jurisdictions will be provided with the cards.

Though the fuel ceiling is fixed, in case of emergencies, the respective DCPs can inform their higher-ups and go for indents.

Earlier, every vehicle was rushing to CAR South-North for re-fuelling. Both time and fuel for running to the other end of the city will be saved, explained Bidari.

Sources in the CAR headquarters confirmed to Deccan Herald that “there are many instances where some senior officers are using more than five vehicles. The junior officers are tight-lipped as it is impossible to segregate the usage of vehicles as to how much is used for official or personnel.”

‘No’ new vehicles

Apart from vehicles, drivers and fuel are also accounted for and the government is paying for it, added the source.

Bidari confirmed that at present there were no requisitions for new vehicles. “We are not going for extra vehicles. After verifying the details of the condemned vehicle/existing vehicle’s condition and how many kilometres it has run, we will replace the old vehicles with new ones.”

Hearse van

Fully equipped hearse vans/ambulances for City use. The police department has bought seven full fledged vehicles and in the days to come, each division will be allotted with a vehicle.

Sources said, after analysing the emergency situations, the department decided to go for their own fully equipped vehicle to ferry the injured/dead body. The vehicle will be at the disposal of the respective DCPs.

Vehicle distribution chart

* DCPs will be provided with 2 four-wheelers vehicle (one for regular use and another as spare)
* 2 motor-cycles for every DCPs office.
* 1 four-wheeler vehicle for every ACP.
* 1 four-wheeler for every police station.
* 6 motorcycles for every police station.
* 1 additional vehicle for every police station where more than 500 cognisable cases are registered.
* 1 motorcycle for sub-inspector.
* 1 additional motor-cycle for every 100 cases registered at any of the police stations.
* 1 four-wheeler vehicle for each division for special investigation team.