12 August,2016 08:42 AM IST | | Vijay Kumar Yadav
Commissioner of police issued the order recently; cops given time till August 15 to buy helmets
Commissioner of police (CP) Datta Padsalgikar has issued an order asking policemen to abide by traffic rules and wear helmet and seat belt while driving or face stern action.
According to a senior officer, CP Padsalgikar mentioned in the order - issued last week - that many instances of policemen flouting the helmet and safety belt rule had been reported in recent times. The officer said, "The order specifically mentioned that policemen who work around traffic checkpoints should follow the rule. The department earns a bad reputation when cops flout laws."
The notice has been issued to joint commissioners, additional commissioners, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners of police and 94 station in-charges. Cops have also been asked to wear only ISI marked helmets. The order states, "Policemen found not abiding by the law would be dealt with strictness and action will be taken against them." CP Padsalgikar also warned cops to not misuse police stickers for their personal benefit.
Raising awareness
Speaking to mid-day, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Public Relations Officer, Mumbai Police, Ashok Dudhe confirmed that every official in the department is following the CP's order. "Besides reiterating the need to abide by the notice in every police meeting, DCPs and ACPs are regularly visiting respective zones and divisions to ensure the mandate is followed. Senior inspectors are also working to raise awareness on this issue among staff in various police stations."
DCP Dudhe, however, added that many cops are facing action for not abiding by the notice in recent times. "While safety is our primary concern, the order will also help correct the approach of cops who don't follow what they preach."
Flyover ban
Apparently, there have been many reports of cops riding their two-wheelers on the JJ Flyover, despite a ban on it. A police source said, "Many south Mumbai residents have complained that even traffic personnel don't stop these cops from riding on flyovers. But then, it's against law and might encourage civilians to flout rules too." Dudhe, however, refused these allegations and said even traffic cops are monitored through CCTV cameras to ensure no law is being flouted.
