Nagpur: Around 480 beat marshal constables, who are identified as ‘Charlies’, would be soon found patrolling in localities in ‘camouflage fatigues’ or commando-like uniforms as a measure to control crime. Their visible patrolling is planned to reign in illegal activities and also improve vigilance at the grass roots level.
The police department is also procuring 120 bikes which would be modified to fit special accessories to meet emergencies and also assist in discharging their functions.
This is part of the revamp of the traditional ‘beat marshal’ system under city police chief Amitesh Kumar. The change is expected to also bring in smarter looking two-wheelers which would be upgraded too. The beat marshals would be expected to work as the ‘first responders’ to any situation after the control room get an alert call.
Kumar said workshops are being organized for beat marshals by the three additional CP level officers, where they are being imparted training to ensure calls are get response in right manner and promptly, apart from other duties. “A beat marshal buddy pair is expected to reach the spot of incident within five minutes of the control room issuing the alert,” said the top cop.
“The beat marshals are expected to crack down upon illegal rackets like gambling and bootlegging in each locality. They would also be expected to hold meetings of local residents as ‘shantata committee’ or peace committee or mohalla committees for developing local contacts and networks,” he said.
Kumar has said the beat marshals would also have names of criminals and past offenders of their areas, which they shall check to collect information about their current activities and whereabouts. “The idea to give them camouflage uniform is to ensure their visits have a surprise element to catch the goons unaware and put them on the defensive,” he said.