Image-building exercise, says DGP, asks Traffic SP to prepare manual
Panaji: The Goa traffic police will implement a ‘standard script’ for policemen to refer to while interacting with motorists during traffic rules enforcement. This is part of the Goa police’s measures towards image building.
Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar has issued instructions to Traffic SP Prabodh Shirwaiker to prepare the ‘standard script’.
Sources said that often it is noticed that policemen tend to enter into a verbal argument with traffic violators and that citizens then generalise the issue, targeting policemen. Police are also criticised on various social media platforms for their alleged rude behaviour, sources said.
According to the police, last year, traffic police issued over three lakh challans to violators.
Kumar said that among various police units, the traffic police interacts the most with the general public/motorists during traffic enforcement.
“It is important to keep in mind what to speak. For which a standard script will be prepared and the policemen will have to follow it,” said Kumar, adding, “It is part of the image-building exercise.”
Kumar also said that the image of the traffic police should not be a ‘challan image’—that they only issue challans.
“Ultimately, the image should be that of the police who ‘stop, prevent, and reduce road accidents’ and also that of traffic jam hatane wali police…” Kumar said.
He said that focus should be on reducing road accidents and fatalities, for which directions have been issued to traffic police to focus on three important points. “Focus on traffic violations that have a direct bearing on road accidents and road discipline. Secondly, have continuous follow-ups with the PWD regarding road engineering-related issues, and, finally, awareness drives, which should be more and more,” said Kumar.
