Bengaluru police to start foot patrol from next week

BENGALURU: A fast-growing metro city like Bengaluru attracts thousands of people every day, but this growth has also led to an increase in criminal activities. The city’s crime rate has risen, with some areas notorious for drug peddling and other illicit activities.

Despite efforts by the police to curb these activities using Hoysala and Cheetah vehicles, the results have been limited. This is because the perpetrators are aware of the police patrol routes and timings, and they often operate in narrow alleys and bylanes where police vehicles cannot reach.

The Bengaluru police have devised a new plan to curb criminal activities in the city, with the commissioner deciding to control crime at the ground level. Police personnel have been instructed to conduct foot patrols across the city. Previously, police patrols were limited to vehicles like Hoysala and Cheetah, with designated checkpoints.

To address this issue, the new police commissioner, Srimant Kumar Singh, has introduced a new strategy—foot patrols. Under this initiative, police officers, including sub-inspectors, inspectors, and ACP-level officers, will conduct foot patrols in sensitive and crime-prone areas. They will be required to wear police uniforms during these patrols, which will not only instill fear in the minds of rowdies but also provide an opportunity for locals to report any grievances to the police.

The police will focus on high-density areas such as places of worship, malls, temples, and markets. The commissioner has instructed that police patrols should prioritize areas prone to criminal activity. This move comes after several complaints were received about the limited effectiveness of vehicle-based patrols on main roads.

The police believe that this initiative will provide protection and reassurance to women and children and help to build trust between the police and the community. By having a visible police presence in these areas, the police hope to deter criminal activity and improve overall safety and security in the city.