Chandigarh police to upgrade capabilities in 2009

Chandigarh, Jan 8: The Chandigarh police is all geared up to enhance its capabilities and to go hi-tech in the year 2009.

"Recently we have got Rs.94.2 million sanctioned for improvement of our existing capabilities. We have plans to buy bullet proof jackets and vests, and latest weapons and induct four more sniffer dogs in the next two to three months," Inspector General of Police S.K. Jain told media persons at the annual press conference at the Police Lines here Thursday.

Noting Chandigarh was on the target list of various terrorist groups in the months of October and November in 2008, he said the police, with its preparedness and alertness, did not let anybody disturb the peace and harmony of the city.

"Closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) will be installed at all the border checkposts and other sensitive places of the city before Mar 31, 2009. We will buy all the modern gadgetry and set up Global Positioning System (GPS) in all the police control room vehicles before this date," he said.

Admitting that Chandigarh police is short of staff, Jain said they were currently in the process of recruiting more constables to strengthen beat patrolling.

"We require constables present at all 135 beats in the city throughout the day and night to keep an eye on any anti social elements. This year our focus will be on reinforcing our intelligence system and to provide rigorous and best training to our commando force," stated Jain.

Chandigarh police is also planning to establish its own fingerprint bureau here in 2009 and has sought necessary funds for the purpose.

Talking about the law and order situation of the city, Jain admitted that motor vehicle theft and snatching incidents were on all time high in 2008. He said that the police is making its best efforts and making foolproof strategies to curb such incidents in future.

In 2008, there has been increase of around 30 per cent in the cases of motor vehicle thefts registered with the police. There were 1,094 incidents of motor vehicle thefts in 2008 that nearly amounted to the theft of three vehicles per day.

The recovery rate of the lost vehicles has also declined in 2008. In 2008, it was at only 23.7 percent while in 2007 it was at 25 percent.