What are your views on the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data of 2016 which shows Nagpur as a highly crime-prone city?
The crime rate calculated by the NCRB was as per the census figure of 2011 when the population of Nagpur was 25 lakhs. It did not include Kamptee and Hingna tehsils which came under the commissionerate in 2016. In that sense, the crime rate should have been calculated on the basis of 29.81 lakhs which would have automatically induced a considerable changes under each heads. Also, the Special Local Laws (SLL) which is predominantly a figure projecting pro-active policing, like our 20,000 cases of drunken driving which is the highest in state, also added to that crime rate going up. NCRB data combined Indian Penal Code (IPC) crimes and SLL to rank the states and cities.
What is the perceived outcome of the NCRB data?
Over emphasis on crime statistics puts unnecessary pressure on the law enforcement agencies and may encourage burking (suppression) of offences. Already there is a perceived gap between incidences and reported crimes which may further widen. For example, there was a steep 16% decline in crimes recorded in Delhi between 1998 and 2012 as per the data which could have taken place due to reluctance in registering offences. In 2012, the then Delhi CP BS Bassi ushered a paradigm shift in the mindset of policing to introduce maximum registration of crimes which resulted in a data of Delhi crime shooting up by250% in three years.
Crime statistics and reality... how much does it differ?
Crime statistics reflects a general trend in a particular period. The data of violent crimes reflects that such incidents have taken place. But, the Special Local Laws (SLL) can be divided into pro-active policing like drunken driving, Arms Act, anti-narcotics, gambling, prostitution raids, blackmartekeeting actions and so on. Another wing of SLL deals with offences against backward classes, dowry prohibition, child marriage and so on. If crime data is pitted against us, the police would as well avoid the pro-active part. In data of pro-active policing, Nagpur surpasses even Mumbai and Pune. We have already taken up this issue with NCRB.
What measures have been taken so far to enhance security and safety of taxpayers?
The emphasis is on the core policing which starts from beat patrolling, surveillance on known criminals, prompt preventive actions, hot spot analysis and efforts to neutralize them. Focus is to reduce opportunities for criminals to target citizens. The other strategy is to reduce or alter the circumstances which led to the commission of crimes like opening 'Bharosa cell' where the differences in domestic affairs are reduced. At this multi-agency integrated centre we are catering to 250 cases. Crime branch focuses on detections of serious crimes. Focused efforts like formation of SIT against land mafia and C3 for cyber crimes are two such examples.
Do you feel citizens' participation can help in policing?
The criminal justice system comprises many stakeholders like victims, witnesses, accused, defence and prosecution, enforcing agencies and other tertiary parameters like media and politicians too apart from culture and tradition of the land. The participation of each wings of the criminal justice system is crucial and so we create platforms like N-Tracs clubs and 'Damini' squads which communicates with the various segments of the society in which most of the interactions are in dual mode. But, we ensure that people come forward with clean hands only.
Do you crumble under political pressure?
When police deal with grievances, one party is happier than the other. But, police department is such an organization which has to function within the ambit of laws and rules of the legislatures where any pressure cannot make a difference.
What about citizens not getting justice at police station level?
Any citizen feeling denied justice can meet Zonal DCP or myself on any day between 4pm and 6pm without prior appointment.
(K Venkatesham is the commissioner of police, Nagpur)
The crime rate calculated by the NCRB was as per the census figure of 2011 when the population of Nagpur was 25 lakhs. It did not include Kamptee and Hingna tehsils which came under the commissionerate in 2016. In that sense, the crime rate should have been calculated on the basis of 29.81 lakhs which would have automatically induced a considerable changes under each heads. Also, the Special Local Laws (SLL) which is predominantly a figure projecting pro-active policing, like our 20,000 cases of drunken driving which is the highest in state, also added to that crime rate going up. NCRB data combined Indian Penal Code (IPC) crimes and SLL to rank the states and cities.
What is the perceived outcome of the NCRB data?
Over emphasis on crime statistics puts unnecessary pressure on the law enforcement agencies and may encourage burking (suppression) of offences. Already there is a perceived gap between incidences and reported crimes which may further widen. For example, there was a steep 16% decline in crimes recorded in Delhi between 1998 and 2012 as per the data which could have taken place due to reluctance in registering offences. In 2012, the then Delhi CP BS Bassi ushered a paradigm shift in the mindset of policing to introduce maximum registration of crimes which resulted in a data of Delhi crime shooting up by250% in three years.
Crime statistics and reality... how much does it differ?
Crime statistics reflects a general trend in a particular period. The data of violent crimes reflects that such incidents have taken place. But, the Special Local Laws (SLL) can be divided into pro-active policing like drunken driving, Arms Act, anti-narcotics, gambling, prostitution raids, blackmartekeeting actions and so on. Another wing of SLL deals with offences against backward classes, dowry prohibition, child marriage and so on. If crime data is pitted against us, the police would as well avoid the pro-active part. In data of pro-active policing, Nagpur surpasses even Mumbai and Pune. We have already taken up this issue with NCRB.
What measures have been taken so far to enhance security and safety of taxpayers?
The emphasis is on the core policing which starts from beat patrolling, surveillance on known criminals, prompt preventive actions, hot spot analysis and efforts to neutralize them. Focus is to reduce opportunities for criminals to target citizens. The other strategy is to reduce or alter the circumstances which led to the commission of crimes like opening 'Bharosa cell' where the differences in domestic affairs are reduced. At this multi-agency integrated centre we are catering to 250 cases. Crime branch focuses on detections of serious crimes. Focused efforts like formation of SIT against land mafia and C3 for cyber crimes are two such examples.
Do you feel citizens' participation can help in policing?
The criminal justice system comprises many stakeholders like victims, witnesses, accused, defence and prosecution, enforcing agencies and other tertiary parameters like media and politicians too apart from culture and tradition of the land. The participation of each wings of the criminal justice system is crucial and so we create platforms like N-Tracs clubs and 'Damini' squads which communicates with the various segments of the society in which most of the interactions are in dual mode. But, we ensure that people come forward with clean hands only.
Do you crumble under political pressure?
When police deal with grievances, one party is happier than the other. But, police department is such an organization which has to function within the ambit of laws and rules of the legislatures where any pressure cannot make a difference.
What about citizens not getting justice at police station level?
Any citizen feeling denied justice can meet Zonal DCP or myself on any day between 4pm and 6pm without prior appointment.
(K Venkatesham is the commissioner of police, Nagpur)
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