Straight Answers

What do you mean by basic policing? The police have always been criticised for not having a proper rapport with the public. Therefore, there is a need for the police to get back to the basics.
The ‘physical presence’ of the police should be seen by the public. We need to get closer to the people and listen to their grievances. The police should do more on-foot patrolling, instead travelling by vehicles.
We will monitor the system to ensure this happens. This is a great way to prevent crime. How do you plan to translate this plan into action? Despite the limitation of numbers, my policemen will be ‘seen’ in five major public areas. We are going to have special vigil teams for the city’s borders, where crime is more.
Areas which citizens use for morning and evening walks, will also be part of the beat patrolling now. The police will also pay regular visits to slum areas, where law and order is always a problem. What impact do you expect basic policing to have? The system will automatically improve communication with the public.
An information flow will start. It will ultimately help the people come forward and file their complaints at the appropriate levels with more confidence. Basic policing is not new. I had already enforced it in Pune a decade ago under the ‘police at your door-step’ banner.
I believe that it is the right method for the police to win over the peoples’ confidence. Policing is a dedicated public service. We must respond quickly and meaningfully. Is the VPN system helping?
Right now we are still working on it. But this is a technological tool that will enable the 19 police stations in the city to network and function effectively, via a common hub. Ultimately, the need is to change the mindset of the police and make them professionally competent.