An IPS officer of the 1981 batch, Rakesh Maria, 57, on Sunday took charge as Mumbai police commissioner. In a Q&A with dna, Maria, who is known to crack terrorism-related cases, said his priority is to have zero tolerance for street crimes and a public-friendly police force.

Q – Firstly, what is your reaction on becoming Mumbai police commissioner?

A- Journey of a boy wearing shorts and chappals and playing in the gullies of Bandra to becoming an IPS officer and taking charge as Mumbai's commissioner of police is a dream come true. Whilst climbing the grand staircase towards this office and remembering those commissioners, who had served the city, the thought is exhilarating and at the same time humbling. The responsibilities for me have also increased now.

Q – You have had a long experience in the city as a police officer, what is the biggest challenge you think will be ahead of you?

A - The challenges before the force today are many. There is urban terrorism, organised crime, security of women, children and elders. One thing we are going to stress on is zero tolerance for street crimes. I would be discussing these issues at length with my officers and would work on strategies to counter the problems.

Q – There is a perception that policemen are rude and impolite to citizens and people feel scared to approach police. How will you change this perception?

A – My aim would be to give the city a service-oriented, transparent, public-friendly force, which feels the problems of the public and works towards solving their issues. This is basically going to be our endeavour in the near future.

Q – Some senior officers have expressed their displeasure over the decision to make the police chief and feel injustice has been done to them

A – This is a uniformed service and a disciplinary force. Wherever we are told to go for posting we will go. I would not like to discuss this issue.

Q – How was your stint with the ATS? In past there have been instances of city police and ATS fighting for one-upmanship regarding handling terrorism cases. What are you going to do to bridge these differences?

A – I have had a discussion with the new ATS chief Himanshu Roy and I have told him that ATS is very important part of the Maharashtra police. ATS plays a vital role in controlling terrorism in city and state. If they need officers or any help from the city police, that will be provided to them. They too are part of the police.

Q – Do you think we need to strengthen our intelligence network?

A – Intelligence is the backbone of the police machinery. We are going to concentrate on the new anti-terror cells created at the police station levels and are going to strengthen them to augment the ATS. Crime Branch has good network of informants when it comes to organised crimes and conventional crimes.

Q – Earlier commissioners had started many initiatives for citizens, are you going to continue those initiatives or will they be closed down?

A – Many senior officers had been commissioners and every CP had started some or the other initiatives. Their initiatives and good practices such as mohalla committee, zopadpatti panchayat, cooperative societies meeting, Eagle brigade and grievance redressal day will be studied and we'll take a call of what should be done.

Q – Lastly, what are your plans for the welfare of lower rungs of the force who work under tremendous stress and coastal security?

A – Only if a policeman is happy at home, will he be able to perform his duties well. I will speak to the joint commissioner of police (administration) about their welfare issues. As far as coastal security is concerned, we have seen in 1993 and 26/11 about the coastal security issue. We will work towards ensuring a better coordination with different agencies and will do our best towards strengthening our coast.