Challenges for new top cop: Plug gaps in vigil and contact tracing

Gurgaon: Strict enforcement of containment measures in eight large Covid outbreak regions of the city with minimum but effective use of manpower, and contact tracing, which has been one of the weakest links in Covid preparedness of Gurgaon, will be the main focus areas of new police commissioner KK Rao.
For enforcement, Gurgaon police will rely mainly on awareness drives in the 104 containment zones.
“The stress will be on enforcing the containment measures without using any force. Cops on ground duty will also be trained to enforce social distancing norms by maintaining personal safety,” he told TOI. Meanwhile, all the DCPs have been directed to ensure that the list of people shared by the MCG be traced at the earliest.
Gurgaon police has already prepared an educational video, which is being circulated among cops, to aware them about the methods of checking at nakkas and how to perform duty in containment zones ensuring personal safety.
“Containing the spread of the virus is a priority but at the same time cops will have to ensure minimum inconvenience to the people. Safety for cops is equally important,” the police chief said. According to Rao, nearly 2,000 cops are on Covid-19 duty and “only those who are physically fit have been assigned duties in containment zones”. “Those above 50 years or suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart or kidney ailments are being kept away from duties in containment zones. Besides, a dedicated medical team for policemen is conducting regular health check-ups and supplying them with vitamin supplements and protective gear.”
Contact tracing, one of the major loopholes in Covid-19 shield of Gurgaon, is another focus area of the new police chief. MCG shares with the police a list of people, who are untraceable by the health department. Till now, MCG has given a list of around 1,400 people, of which 1,139 has been traced. “The health department and civic agencies are doing contract tracing, police help them as and when required. It’s equally important to contain the spread of the virus,” said Rao.
Moreover, all the 40 police stations of Gurgaon have been directed to receive online complaints to minimise public visit. “Glass shield cabins have been installed at police stations for receiving complaints,” said Rao.
“But I would urge people to visit police stations only when it’s absolutely necessary, else they can submit their complaints online. Complainants, if visiting a police station, should come alone.”