'Helmet with inbuilt walkie-talkie must for cops'

NAGPUR: Frequent arguments on roads can be witnessed as citizens protest traffic cops' move to penalize helmet-less motorists while allowing policemen to go scot-free for the same offence. Orders by the commissioner of police Ankush Dhanvijay that all policemen must wear helmets, whether on duty or not, from January 3 have just not been taken seriously.
In complete disregard to the diktat, the cops have chosen to move about in plainclothes worn over their uniform to avoid being recognized.
A senior traffic cop listed out various difficulties for cops in wearing helmets. "They have to carry it in their hands along with the walkie-talkie and sometimes with a carbine. Many times cops on patrol could not be contacted as they were wearing headgears," he said, adding that the state government must provide helmets with inbuilt walkie-talkie system for safer communication. "All cops will start wearing it from the next day," he added.
Dhanvijay had said earlier this year that if found driving without helmets cops would be penalized Rs 100 for the first offence and an equivalent amount by the police department. For second and subsequent offence, the fine would be doubled and the errant cop would be transferred. A departmental inquiry would also be initiated against him by respective zonal heads.
A senior cop said that most young policemen, including commandos, have taken the directives seriously and are driving with helmets. "Not everyone is breaking the rule," he said.
The senior cop hoped that if police start wearing helmets, "it would inspire citizens too".