Can’t Bangalore be free of crime?

Can’t Bangalore be free of crime?
The National Crime Records Bureau has pointed out a 7 per cent increase in crime, putting the police in the dock. Ashwin Raj spoke to City Police Commissioner S. Mariswamy to find out how the police are tackling the situation.
The Times of India

NCRB statistics indicate a rise in crime in the city. Comment.
There has not been a rise in the crime rate. Comparing statistics to 10 years ago, we are now reporting less crimes under many heads. For instance, 243 murders were reported in 1997, but in the last one year, the number has been much less. Moreover, with rapid development, the population has increased multifold in the last few years and the crime rate has been corresponding.

The 7% increase pertains to IPC cases. Do road accidents fall under this category. Both fatal and non-fatal accidents fall under IPC Sections like 304(A), 279 and 334. Statistics reveal that there has been an increase in the number of accidents each year. (In 2002, 820 persons were killed; 2003 - 883; 2004-903).

With reports of mugging, chain snatching everyday, there is a general perception of fear among the public. How are the police tackling the present situation?
Bangalore is a big city and the incidence of crime is not alarming. You cannot have a crime-less city, specially a place like Bangalore. The city which is growing rapidly has been seeing many changes even in the last five years. Also, there has been a subtle change in society. One does not see the kind of violent agitations or rowdism now. The police have been able to keep a check on crime to a large extent.

Are the police adequately equipped in terms of manpower and infrastructure to handle the situation effectively?
There is an immediate need for expansion of facilities and better infrastructure. Another area of focus is the need for developing skills of the policeman. The personnel work day and night and their duties have increased. They need decent returns for their labour. Though we are doing our best with the limited resources, we still cater to a large population.

Will the recent ISO 9001 certification have any impact on day-to-day policing?
This certification has been given only for administration in the City Police Commissioner’s office after a thorough evaluation.
There will also be a regular audit of its working. The certification has been an encouragement for the personnel and also boosted their morale. The assessment will be extended to police stations. We have begun with evaluation of activities, responsibilities, etc at Frazer Town police station. Such certification and monitoring will improve policing.


In the DOCK
Name: S. Mariswamy
Age: 59
Qualification: BA, Mysore University
A 1972-batch IPS officer, Mariswamy hails from Sattegala in Kollegal taluk. He took over as City Police Commissioner in May 2003 and has since been witness to everyday robberies, murders, among other crimes. Mounting unsolved cases too. A practical officer who feels that there cannot be a city like Bangalore without crime, but at the same time believes that it can be kept under check with adequate measures.

Before taking over as City Commissioner, he was ADGP Administration where he was instrumental in setting up various welfare measures for the personnel. After his first posting as Additional Superintendent of Police in Shimoga, he has served in various posts including Secretary in the Home department and IG, Technical Services in his service spanning over 30 years.


VERDICT: BLAMEABLE
Justice V.S. Malimath, former Chief Justice of Karnataka and Kerala High Courts, headed committee on Reforms of Criminal Justice System in India.

Statistics and figures are not the true measure of police functionality. It is the degree of security a common man feels and that is the real test for the police. Today, people do not feel secure.

Murders afflict only a small percentage of people. Crimes like robbery, rape, molestation and kidnap affects the public at large. The increase in such crimes raises concern and people will not be able to carry on with life without worry.Functioning of police is grossly inadequate and complacency seems to be prevalent among the force. Insensitivity to the problem that it’s after all another city shows inefficiency.

Police presence, which is lacking, should act as a deterrent for criminals. The presence is noticed only after an offence. Crime has become a profitable business as the chances of being caught, and then punished are remote. The very little risk factor is an incentive to commit crime. With a wide gap between registering of incidents, investigation and prosecution, crimes that occur frequently are soon forgotten. They become irrelevant in the minds of people and does not provoke action.
Police presence has to be stepped up and much is expected of them.