PANAJI
With a series of controversies tarnishing the image of Goa Police, Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar on Friday expressed disappointment that misconduct by some personnel undermines the department’s efforts.
From alleged extortion by three traffic personnel in Anjuna and jobs-for-cash scams to the Indian Reserve Battalion constable Amit Naik freeing criminal Suleman Siddique Khan, these incidents in the recent few weeks have cast a shadow over the department’s credibility.
Addressing the force at the Goa Police Raising Day at police headquarters, Kumar indicated attempts to weaken public trust and indulging in misconduct will not be tolerated.
“While majority of the personnel work day in and day out to make Goa a safe place for citizens and tourists, some personnel indulge in misconduct leading to far-reaching consequences for the image of the force. Such acts dilute all the good work done by the department. We must introspect as to what should be done to reduce the scope of such mischief,” he remarked.
The DGP also stressed the need to enhance mental resilience of police personnel to enable ethical decision-making in their duties. He called for improved supervision by middle-level officers including Superintendents of Police and Deputy Superintendents of Police to reduce any kind of mischief.
“In the year ahead I would call upon officers to work on improving the professional competence of the force, induct new technologies and sensitize the force members towards the policing needs of the State. We have to work tirelessly to make Goa Police future-ready,” he added.
To motivate the force, numerous promotions, confirmations; and benefits under the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) were implemented this year.
In what is considered the highest number of promotions within the department in recent years, 302 personnel across various ranks were promoted this year while MACPS benefits were granted to 1,361 personnel, and probation clearance and confirmations to 336 personnel.
Kumar also announced that new police station buildings are under construction at Quepem (Rs 7.73 crore), Fatorda (Rs 12.01 crore) and Maina Curtorim (Rs 15.97 crore). An annex to the Coastal Security Police Station at Tiracol (Rs 52.18 lakh) and 30 B-Type police quarters at Arlem, Fatorda, are also underway.
The government has granted administrative approval for a new building for the Sanguem Police Station at an estimated cost of Rs 10.08 crore, with the Public Works Department tasked to begin the e-tendering process.
Further, various police buildings including residential quarters have been repaired or renovated through the PWD. Kumar expressed gratitude to the government for sanctioning Rs 45 crore for the construction of a new police headquarters.
