Regret inability to curb road fatalities, says DGP

Panaji: Goa director general of police (DGP) Jaspal Singh on Wednesday held a meeting with his top officials to review policing in 2022.
While Singh said he was satisfied with the performance of his officers, he expressed regret about not being able to curb road accident related fatalities in the state. He also asked officers to procure at least two boats for coastal policing this year, and directed them to analyse the causes for acquittals and to take remedial steps.
The DGP said that the driving licencing system not being within police control was one difficulty in curbing road fatalities.
“I regret that on-road safety front the department has not been able to make a serious dent on fatalities as road safety is an interdisciplinary activity involving transport department, road engineering, municipalities and panchayats. The most significant aspect of ensuring road safety is a stringent licence issuing system and this is beyond the control of police department,” he said.
The DGP said some priorities set for police officials for 2023 include road safety, curbing demand and supply in drug trade, quick investigation and reduction in pendency of cases.
He directed officers to improve the conviction rate by taking remedial steps in the form of training and supervisory overview during investigation.
“Specialised units such as economic offences cell, coastal policing, security and training are backbone of any police department and they have significant linkages with the overall security of the country. There is need to acquire latest equipment for security unit. Coastal police stations are operating without boats and in the new year the department must procure at least two boats,” Singh said.
Officers were told to give utmost importance to public grievances.
The DGP said that though the performance of his officers has been good, technology has thrown up new challenges in law enforcement, particularly in the areas of narcotic trade through darknet and cyber challenges due to introduction of 5G technology.
“Technology has brought about several challenges and we need to upgrade our skills, knowledge and attitudes to face these challenges,” Singh said.
He, however, said he appreciated the seizure of sizable quantity of drugs by Goa Police.
Police officials have been told to have day-to-day interaction with subordinates and listen to their grievances.
“The headquarters unit has been advised to ensure that all retirees get their retiral benefits on the day of retirement, that disciplinary proceedings are completed in a timebound manner and that good work done by officers is quickly rewarded,” Singh said.
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Priorities set for police by DGP in 2023
- Road safety
- Drug control, particularly on demand and supply side
- Cyber awareness
- Sensitisation of police officers towards offences against women and children
- Police visibility and strengthening of beat system
- Quick mobility and fleet management
- Public outreach, particularly towards senior citizens
- Quick investigation and reduction in pendency of cases
- Improvement in conviction rate
- Staff welfare