Vegas killing tightens State hotels’ security

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Police on Saturday issued a set of guidelines to all SPs to enhance surveillance in hotels, guest houses and lodges in the State. The advisory comes in the wake of the Las Vegas firing. The guidelines, issued by DGP Dr RP Sharma, directs owners and managers for registration of their establishments and timely renewal as per the Sarais Act at the collectorate concerned and the Commissionerate Police office. The staff of the hotels, guest houses and lodges should conduct proper verification of the occupants and to contact the police, in case they find anything suspicious, it stated. The property owners and management have also been asked for timely renewal of licences of the bars and playing music under the Copyright Act. 

The advisory also seeks submission of details of the occupants, including foreign customers, at the local police stations and SP offices either by submitting hard copies or by sending an e-mail. Police said it is mandatory for installing fire safety equipment and to conduct fire safety drill at regular intervals at the hotels, guest houses and lodges. 

The State Police also directed to install CCTV cameras at the entry and exit points of the buildings along with corridors and at the parking lots. This apart, they need to improve the quality of the already installed CCTV cameras for getting clearer pictures. The advisory also stated that it is mandatory to install door frame metal detectors (DFMD) and vehicle scanners at the hotels, guest houses and lodges.
It also instructed to conduct proper verification of the security guards and employees along with furnishing their details to the local police station.

The owners have been warned to ensure that no illegal activities are carried out at their establishments under the roof of massage parlours and spas.Sharma asked the police to circulate the directions to the proprietors and managers of the hotels, guest houses and lodges across the State and to ensure that the guidelines are properly implemented. The police also informed that in case of non-compliance of the advisory, which is mandatory as per the law, legal action will be initiated.