In view of the recent murders and increasing crimes in the city, ex- super cop and former city police commissioner H T Sangliana has some points to make. Reacting to the recent murders, he said: “It is very unfortunate and I pray to god that sinners are behind bars soon. These are animals in a human frame.
This is a big challenge for the police too.” His advice to the present city police commissioner: “In my time, I used to throw a challenge to myself that if a crime takes place in my place, I should be paraded in the streets. I used to say if I cannot control law and order in my district, I can be hanged in public - this was my challenge and I meant it. Let every officer make sure that he is accessible all the time.” Back in his days, it is said that he used to visit police stations frequently and walked into offices even after midnight. If a policeman was caught sleeping he would be punished. Some of the measures he introduced and which actually worked effectively have been shelved.
Brass bells were installed at all police stations in the city.
The bell was to be rung by alert citizens, whenever an untoward incident occurred.
The time at which the bell was rung would be recorded.
This was expected to help the police know the exact time of the incident taking place.
It also ensured that sentries and the police were on their toes at all times.
At present, the bells have rusted and most have been sold off. The pros and cons of such a system was debatable, but some feel that it used to ensure citizen participation in policing and thereby they felt responsible.
The hello neighbour programme introduced by Sangliana was particularly famous for its effectiveness.
Teams in a neighbourhood were entrusted with the task of checking out a new neighbour.
A friendly visit was all it took for them to know their neighbour better and feel safer.
The presence of the police should be felt in the city, Sangliana says. In his time, policemen used to go for rounds in pairs. One carrying a lathi and the other a rifle, so that miscreants felt that the police were well-equipped.
