27 February,2011 07:09 AM IST | | Sayed Roshan
Bandra police station's month-old senior police inspector sits at a desk at entrance to receive complainants
Bandra police station is using the personal touch in a bid to make the police seem complainant-friendly. Senior Police Inspector Samad Shaikh who took charge of Bandra police station a month ago, has come up with a novel idea to help residents of the suburb. He has set up a desk outside the police station to receive complainants.
The difference is, instead of a constable, Shaikh himself greets and gives them a patient hearing. Shaikh who is known for his orderly way of working has kept the force on its toes. Instead of sitting inside a comfortable air conditioned cabin, Shaikh parks himself at the desk, guiding visitors, receiving complaints, and leaving the counter only when he has an urgent matter to attend to, or during lunch hour.
A resident of Bandra, Zuber Punjabi think it's a positive step to help locals. "In most police stations, seniors don't have the time to talk to complainants. This move will help him understand our problems first-hand."
A police official from Bandra police station, requesting anonymity says, "He wants work to be perfect. Often, he sets off alone on rounds of the area. It's a good move to keep an eye on his jurisdiction; and it helps reduce corruption." Shaikh says the decision helps him rid complainants of fear and hesitation. "I am here to work for them, anyway."