delhi

Updated: Oct 30, 2017 10:24 IST

In the wake of increasing attacks on traffic policemen, the Delhi Police has decided to arm them with handguns in the next 10 days for their protection.

With a total registered vehicle population of over 10 million and over 31,000km of road network, traffic policemen in Delhi remain prone to attacks by rule violators and criminals.

Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik on Sunday made this announcement in an interaction with traffic police officers. During the meeting, he said, some officers posted at vulnerable stretches in the city will now be given a 9mm pistol.

In the past, several traffic policemen have been attacked in the city while trying to stop motorists. The demand to arm them has been a long pending one. In the past, too, announcements have been made but this time a clear time-frame has been mentioned, said Delhi Police spokesperson and special CP (traffic) Dependra Pathak.

“It was decided that all lower sub-ordinate officers on the road — from the rank of assistant sub-inspector and above — would be given 9mm pistols, which their colleagues (on security duty) use,” said Pathak.

Sunday’s meeting was attended by over 3,000 traffic policemen, who shared their experiences and challenges with Patnaik. The police chief also assured them that the stocks of anti-pollution masks, which have been provided to them, will be replenished from time to time.

Talking to Hindustan Times, Pathak said he has asked the traffic policemen to maintain a professional conduct and try to pre-emptively address traffic problems. He added that the department would now rely on field officers to provide solutions to traffic management and for coming years, their appraisals would also depend on the innovative solutions they propose.

“We have also asked them to work on their public dealings and the overall behavioural aspects. It is important to look and project yourself as a professional, smart and businesslike by your posturing while on duty,” he said.