Areas with crimes are not notorious, but challenging: MBVV top cop Sadanand Date

Sadanand Date, currently the commissioner of MBVV Police, was awarded the President’s Police Medal for gallantry during the 26/11 attacks. Pic/Anurag Ahire

Being wealthy or prominent isn't enough to achieve success in life, but inspiration and motivation is' seems to be the motto of Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police Commissioner Sadanand Date. It was indeed motivation that led Date, who used to distribute newspapers to support his education, to become an IPS officer in 1990 and later being awarded with the President's Police Medal for gallantry during the 26/11 attacks.

The recent feather in his cap being the MBVV police, formed in September 2020, recording the highest conviction rate last year at 82 per cent, claiming the top spot among all the commissionerates in the state. The state's average conviction rate last year stood at around 55 per cent. This year, till August, MBVV police have a conviction rate of 60 per cent. Conviction rate is the number of cases where the court has given its verdict, against the total number of cases registered.

In a candid conversation with mid-day, Date, who earlier held the post of deputy inspector general of the CBI and joint commissioner of police (Mumbai), shared how they ensured maximum convictions.

Also read: Mumbai Crime: Thief who stole from people posing as a police official held

Edited excerpts

As the first CP of newly formed MBVV police, what challenges did you face during the shift from Thane rural police to a full-fledged commissionerate?
The work to set up the new commissionerate started in the midst of a pandemic, so managing resources, such as manpower and budget, was a challenge. But the DG's office, SP (Thane and Palghar) and the government were considerate, which helped. In the initial days, to ensure smooth functioning, S Jayakumar (then additional commissioner, MBVV) and I divided work where he focused on administration, and I concentrated on crime and law and order.

Both Mira Bhayander and Vasai-Virar are known for notorious activities such as dance bars, illegal constructions, and also small-time criminals and gangsters. What is your take on it?
I would not agree. Instead of calling them notorious, I would call them challenging. For instance, Mira Road was known for dance bars and Nallasopara for drugs. For a police officer, these are all challenges in his path. And I believe that while challenges make life difficult, it makes the job interesting.

What is the current detection rate? What was it in the previous year?
Prior to 2018, the average detection rate was around 60 to 65 per cent. Now the rate has improved to nearly 80 per cent. To put in simple words, out of every 100 crimes reported, 80 are solved. In 2021, MBVV had nearly 82 per cent conviction rate. This year, the number stood at 60 per cent during the review of the first
eight months.

What are the reasons for improvement in performance?
Despite nearly 40 per cent vacancies, I decided that detection officers' posts will not remain vacant at any police station. I ensured the best police officers for the post and full strength for this section. Also, as per directives of the DG's office, we had quality investigation units at each police station. We ensured every police officer read judgements and understand what went wrong in case of acquittal and what worked in case of conviction. A method and system of work was put in place because the result is the outcome of hard work. My earlier CBI tenure helped me set up this system here. Before CBI deputation, like many others, I used to think detection is the heart of crime. But, I realised detection is the only beginning of crime work.

Why would you say the crime registration graph is rising in this region?
In 2020, we had 5,300 cases, which increased to 7,500 in 2021, meaning a nearly 40 per cent rise. And the reason is that all the cops have been instructed to accept complaints by citizens, and if there is merit, to take action accordingly or close the case. I have categorically stated that no one will be held responsible for a higher number of cases. Instead, I will hold them responsible for detection. Every case has to be detected: this is the underlying message.

How difficult is it to man this area, especially due given its vast geographic position?
For a population of nearly 32 lakh, we have a strength of about 2,200 officers. But, the law and order situation in this region is well maintained, as along with improvement in policing, we focused on public participation too. For instance, we lacked enough resources to install CCTV cameras, so we appealed to citizens to come forward and place one of the CCTV cameras in their premises facing the roadside. There was a tremendous response from the citizens. Over 5,700 cameras are operational now, and this is due to public participation. Now, we are increasing the network further with the help of the local municipal corporation and the state government.

MBVV police's 112 helpline response time
Year Response time Average calls per month
2021 15 to 20 minutes 70 to 85
2022 5 to 10 minutes 80 to 100 (Jan to August)
'Response time is the average time taken to attend the calls once citizens dial MBVV helpline 112