‘Women safety our priority, 7,400 cops to join force in 2018’

NEWDELHI: As the year comes to an end and five days ahead of the fifth anniversary of the 2012, December 16 gang rape, police commissioner Amulya Patnaik talks about crime in Delhi this year, women safety and modernisation of the police force in the years to come. Due to porous borders and easy availability of illegal firearms in some neighbouring states, there has been some proliferation of illicit firearms. Petty criminals have managed access to these weapons. But this year we have a concerted strategy involving the local police, crime branch and the special cell – the illegal weapons being one of the major areas of focus. The three teams work together to fight arms smugglers. This year, we made a much higher detection of firearms. We tasked beat officers and picket staff to detect criminals carrying weapons and they have been instrumental in catching them. We have intensified checking. Because of these efforts, there is a dip in the use of firearms this year by 9%. working to popularise apps for women, making helpline numbers effective and ensuring PCR staff are more responsive. We are making sure of increased police visibility during vulnerable timings. I would tell the women that the involvement of strangers in crimes against women is on a decline. We conducted a study of the accused men in all rape cases since 2001. Compared to 13.12% strangers involved in such crimes in 2001, this year the percentage is down to 3.12. A study group was constituted comprising psychologists, intellectuals and educationists. That group will submit their findings soon. The study will provide a psychological insight into rapes. It will throw a lot of light on why such things are endemic in the city. was one of the main reasons. To prevent the accidents, we placed speed cameras and posted more traffic officers. People now know they will lose their driving licence if they are caught speeding. As a result, this year we have 64 deaths and 600 accidents less compared to last year. By early next year, we will have 96 red light violation detection system cameras and 100 over speed violation action cameras, connected directly to the control room. ence progressively so that corrupt practices and harassment can be reduced. This year, we made grant of licence for casual performances online. If you want to hold a function at some auditorium, all you have to do is to go online. Similarly, truck drivers will soon be able to apply online and get ‘entry permission’. Many such projects are on the pipeline. are concerned about them. It is a matter of concern. In the Delhi 2012 rape, there was a juvenile, which prompted amendments in the law. In every police station, we have a record of budding criminals. In that category, we keep record of juveniles in conflict with law. It is called a pink file, a confidential file made for only the purpose of counselling such juveniles to ensure they come out of the mould of delinquency. There is a periodic interface to make sure they do not become repeat offenders. This year, the home minister launched YUVA, in which we identify whom we call fence-sitters. If we can identify them at the right time and encourage them to go through skill development, we empower them with skills so that they can earn their livelihood.