No more punching bags: Dimapur police starts work to reclaim public capital

Crime and administrative mechanisms beefed up 

Yupangnenla Longkumer
Dimapur, July 4

It was only in the month of April this year that the new police panel (so-called “commissionerate”) for Dimapur was established. However, there have been noticeable changes – in both administration and law and order–within a short time since the new police panel became functional.
For years, Dimapur police was like a good punching bag with the establishment often receiving vociferous criticisms for being ‘weak’ or ‘inept’, and even for excesses committed by police personnel against public members. However, recent changes are also changing the mood and perception of the people about the local police – they now seem to be nursing a soft corner for the positive steps the enforcement authorities are taking.The roads look the same and potholes are turning to craters but ‘Dimapurians’ have something to smile and be proud of for now–positive steps are being taken by Dimapur police authorities to tackle law and order and crime, and similarly, setting up stronger traffic enforcement mechanisms.
The most noticeable change for now is the easing of the chaotic Dimapur traffic. Complementing that good news is another development: Very soon CCTV cameras will be installed in all the major traffic islands as a part of crime enforcement peripherals.
The Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Shouka Khaketo said on Saturday that the installation of CCTV cameras will not only help the traffic but aid in maintaining law and order and aid enforcement against crime. Likewise, a service website will be launched for the public soon.
The officer also revealed that the police’s flying squads now have Global Positing Systems (GPS) and monitoring systems to aid their crime beat. The GPS data can identify which police vehicle is closest to a crime scene thus helping police officers get to the scene of a crime or emergency faster. Also, it can be helpful if a police officer ever goes missing during duty.
Further, public facilities that the traffic police authorities are preparing include zebra crossings and designated parking lots. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Traffic Zone-I, Seyiesezo Peseyie disclosed that zebra crossings and parking spaces will be marked to help in regulating traffic movements systematically. Also, designated parking space for commercial vehicles will be issued.
Bridging the gap
As stated, the police was similar to a punching bag for the public but now people just might be undergoing a change in their perception about the guardians of the law. The most endearing gesture the Dimapur police has planned is a designated parking slot – not for the rowdy public but for the often-forgotten, differently-able persons. The parking for persons with disabilities will be set along the Nyamo Lotha Road.
Just a week ago, the public swooned to another sweet gesture from the enforcement when the Dimapur Traffic police handed out chocolate bars to two-wheel riders for wearing helmets. The small, sweetly, and definitely novel gesture of the enforcement attracted an overwhelming attention from the public, not for the chocolates but for the effort they were taking just to encourage two-wheel riders to abide by rules of safety and the law in general.
Another significant move of the Dimapur policing authorities is regular meetings with tribal bodies, youth organizations, colony council members and other civilian groups. The PRO said that the meetings are to sensitize the people about “dos and don’ts” and also to garner more suggestions to improve their service to the community. “…positive or negative remarks is a sign showing that people are coming forward. We want to have a partner relationship with the public; being there for one another. It is a good start but a long way to go,” PRO Khaketo explained.
Moreover, the Dimapur Police is active in the social media sites now. It has a twitter account and a Facebook page where information related to crime and traffic are updated daily. The Facebook page has 6,368 likes and the twitter account has 40 followers as yet.
Challenges and changes
Queried about how they are successfully bringing in changes in the system, officer Shouka said “…we have a good set of team and a very able commissioner.” Adding that they were still getting acquainted with the new system with new responsibilities, the police officer said manpower was being enhanced so that they could stretch out to more areas, including hitherto-isolated areas. It may be mentioned that personnel from the Indian Reserve Mahila and NAP were roped in to buttress the district’s police force.
On sensitizing police personnel of their duties and responsibilities to the public, Shouka said seminars and refresher courses are being conducted from time to time and on rotation. “…this is not something new, it was there, but we are now very serious about these programmes and we make sure that everyone gets to attend it.” Being a part of such programs, he said, will help the police officers and the personnel to execute their duties for the public more efficiently and gain the trust of the people.