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Udupi police embark on ’inclusive’ patrolling system

’One Police One Village’ beat started on April 1

The district police have embarked upon the innovative attempt for empowering the lower rung staff in the system and simultaneously bridge the public-police divide.

The new beat system titled ‘One Police One Village’ has been introduced in the district from April 1. The new system entrusts task-bearing responsibility to the lower rank staff in the police system. Superintendent of Police K T Balakrishna told DH that the constables are made in-charge of each village in their jurisdiction. It works as if all the constables have responsibilities much similar to those of higher officials. He added that there would be 709 beats in the district. The head constables/police constables are supervised by assistant sub-inspectors, who in turn are monitored by police sub-inspectors.

The previous beat system did not thrust any obligations on any of the personnel working in the station. However, the new system would entrust such responsibility on the staff. Under the old system, any policeman including the one deputed for computer operation would go for patrolling during night. The new system ensures that the head constable/constable concerned is part of the system and they are recognised as crucial part of the force. Every ward in city limit is considered a village. The police personnel concerned can work on one or two beats every week. They also discharge duties such as warrant updating, gun licence updating, revision of rowdy sheeter list, verifying antecedents of criminals among others. Earlier all these duties were carried out by the crime constable and some by the PSI-level officers. Besides, the constable concerned would be familiar to the local population.

Additional Superintendent of Police Vishnuvardhan said that the constable in-charge of the beat should form a 50-member committee in the respective village. The members should be keen to work for effective policing. Regular meetings should be held for facilitating exchange of ideas. The committee would act as a vital link between the system and society. The programme would be effective especially in the villages adjoining the shore as Coastal Security Police can also take part in the activities to track the illegal activities. The constable would have the FIR dairy and if at all any crime takes place he can offer information to the PSIs and other higher officials instantly. The information will percolate into the police hierarchy.

There are 365 villages and wards in the district, 528 HCs/ PCs, around 70 ASIs, 32 PSIs, 6 CPIs and 3 DySPs, besides an ASP and SP. The system ensures that each staff member is part of the patrolling.