47,000 cops in Mumbai now have 8-hour work days

Deonar police station was the first to implement the system

Mumbai police commissioner Datta Padsalgikar's move to give cops eight-hour shifts has proven to be a hit, as 47,000 policemen working in 35 police stations are now availing the changed timings. He has now set January 2017 as the deadline for having the shifts at all police stations across the city.

Constable Ravindra Patil from Deonar police station had approached the top cop in March through a 73-page letter, requesting an eight-hour shift for police officials. Padsalgikar obliged and set up a four-member committee and framed 3 phases to implement it.

Phase 2 on
"Right now we are in Phase 2, in which 35 police stations are working in eight-hour shifts," said Padsalgikar, adding, "The feedback I am getting from policemen is overwhelming. Female cops are especially finding it convenient as they are getting more time to spend with their families."

‘Blessing to all cops'
Deonar police station was the first to implement the system. Dattatray Shinde, senior inspector from the station says, "An eight-hour duty is like a blessing to all the cops. I can feel the change in the attitude of each and everyone. Cops are giving more time to their families and their concentration level has also increased. We feel proud that our police station was chosen for the inception of this idea."

Read Story: Duty hours slashed: 7-hour shifts to ease Mumbai Police's stress

‘Implement 2014 circular as well'
Though many policemen are applauding the eight-hour shift, few officials want a clarification on their shift duties, as constables can leave after the shift timings, whereas officers who have to investigate cases can go home only once their investigation and paperwork is over, said a police officer. "The eight-hour duty is definitely helpful for constables, but officers get little relief from it," he added. To solve this, he said, a 2014 circular issued by the then Director General of Police to set up different sections, one to handle law and order and another for investigations, should be implemented.