A reminder for Delhi Police cops to follow traffic rules

Traffic policemen at the vikay chowk on the second day of the ODDEVEN in New Delhi on saturday. Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal New Delhi 020116

Irked by complaints on Facebook and the traffic police helpline against Delhi Police personnel seen violating traffic norms, Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic) Garima Bhatnagar issued an order on Wednesday, asking all officers to follow traffic rules. She also warned that if a police officer is found violating traffic norms, disciplinary action will be taken and he will be booked under appropriate sections of the law.

The order was issued on Wednesday evening and was circulated to all special commissioners of police, joint commissioners of police and deputy commissioners of police. “The order was also sent to the personal staff of Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik for information, and all assistant commissioners of police and traffic inspectors, directing them to take action against violators,” a senior police officer said.

In her order, Bhatnagar stated that there are numerous complaints received on Facebook and the traffic police helpline regarding drivers of police vehicles not wearing seat belts, signal violation, stop-line violation, use of defective number plates, and using cell phones while driving. “There are also several complaints of policemen in uniform indulging in triple riding, and not wearing helmets while driving and riding two-wheelers,” she stated in her order.

She said it was also observed that policemen are using police colours and inscriptions on the registration number plates of personal vehicles to gain immunity or avoid prosecution. She said the conduct of police officers is noticed by the general public and them breaking the law invites criticism and earns a bad name for the department. “The activities and behaviour of a policeman should be of the highest order and professionalism. It must reflect upon the discipline instilled in them during their training, which may also be a leading example for other citizens to emulate,” she said.

Bhatnagar requested all DCPs to brief their subordinates to follow traffic rules and regulations. “From now on, if policemen violate traffic norms, the DCP concerned would be informed. She has also requested districts/units where such personnel are posted to take appropriate disciplinary action against violators,” an officer said.