Chief minister Naveen Patnaik releases the awareness campaign slogans during the sixth foundation day ceremony of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar police at the 7th battalion of OSAP Parade Ground in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Jan 14: City police chief R.P. Sharma today managed to extract a crucial assurance from chief minister Naveen Patnaik that, if realised, will go a long way in increasing the efficiency of the force.

Speaking at the sixth foundation day of the commissionerate police, Sharma said that existing strength was not sufficient and he would seek additional manpower from the state government to boost the competence of the force.

The police chief, who was sharing dais with Naveen Patnaik, seemed successful in putting forward his plea as the latter has agreed to do his bit.

“The sanctioned strength is not adequate as compared to some other states where the commissionerate system is in vogue. We would soon send a proposal to the state government to revise the sanctioned strength and fulfil the vacant posts,” Sharma said.

When his turn came to speak, Naveen said the state government had sanctioned a number of projects to enhance the efficiency of the police.

“The state government has sanctioned CCTV surveillance system for Bhubaneswar and a modern control room for Cuttack. The government will also consider the need of additional manpower and other resources required by the commissionerate to enhance its capabilities,” Naveen said.

Sharing the top cop’s thought, several police officials agreed that acute shortage of sub-inspectors (SIs)in Bhubaneswar had been a major problem for cops.

Though the sanctioned strength of SIs for Bhubaneswar is 139, the number of posts lying vacant is 72. Besides, hundreds of posts in the ranks of assistant sub-inspector (SI), constable and home guards are also lying vacant.

While each SI handles nearly seven cases a month, they are also engaged in traffic control, VIP duty, passport verification, managing senior citizen’s security cell, mahila and sishu desks. The acute shortage of SIs has also hampered investigation of cases.

Sharma also said that they had prepared an action plan for 2014 for better city policing.

The action plan includes introduction of more PCR vans, special behavioural training for cops and equipping force with modern gadgets, especially those required for city traffic management.

While 35 PCR vans are plying in the city, an official said that five additional ones would be added to the existing fleet.

Director general of police Prakash Mishra, who was also present on the occasion, said that a lot of initiatives including community policing had been taken to fulfil the expectations of the people of the state.

Later, the chief minister also launched the link of the official website of the commissionerate police (bhubaneswarcuttackpolice.gov.in) along with link to social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

The social networking platform would enable the citizens to lodge suggestions and air grievances.

An additional DCP rank officer would monitor the social networking activities. Nearly 15 police personnel were also felicitated on the occasion.

Naveen also unveiled eight short films on domestic violence, eve teasing and bike and bank thefts.

These short films, which also include a message from the police commissioner, would be screened at various theatres in the city.

Naveen also unveiled hoardings with messages for installation at various localities in the city.