New Delhi: After tensions between India and Pakistan escalated earlier this month, the New Delhi district police have been instructed to tighten vigilance in sensitive areas of Lutyens’ Delhi.
Officers have been asked to avoid using mobile phones or sitting idle while on duty. The focus is to maintain strong police presence and visibility across public areas.The directive was issued on Tuesday by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Devesh Kumar Mahla, urging all Station House Officers (SHOs) to ensure their teams remain alert and active. New Delhi district, which houses residences of VVIPs, politicians, and foreign dignitaries, is considered one of the most sensitive parts of the capital, as per a report by The Indian Express. There are ten police stations in the New Delhi district, each led by an SHO and supervised by one of five Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).According to the order, SHOs must hold morning and evening briefings in public areas that are highly visible. These sessions must take place daily and only in proper uniform. If the SHO is unavailable due to valid reasons, another inspector must take charge of the briefing.Personnel assigned to picket duty-whether temporary or permanent-will also undergo checks and briefings at least twice per shift. These will be conducted either by the SHO or a substitute inspector. Additionally, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) or Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) will lead a separate briefing once during each shift, as per a report by The Indian Express. The order emphasises that all picket points must have a minimum of three barricades with reflective tape for visibility. A minimum of three armed staff should be present, equipped with body-worn cameras and umbrellas for protection from the weather. Night shifts will require added equipment, such as shoulder lights, blinkers, and reflective jackets.Officers have been strictly told not to use mobile phones or sit together in public areas during duty hours. Proper conduct and a professional attitude are to be maintained at all times.Motorcycle patrol staff will also be regularly briefed. SHOs are expected to conduct these briefings at least twice per shift, while SDPOs will do so once per shift. Two personnel must ride on each motorcycle. If not possible, two separate motorcycles should patrol together as a team. At least one officer in the pair should carry arms, a checking register, and a body-worn camera.The measures aim to improve on-ground policing and maintain a high level of preparedness amid the current security climate.