In order to help monitor and keep a check on violations across sealed buildings and containment zones, Mumbai Police has started appointing civilians as special police officers. The police department has so far appointed 1,100 civilians towards this cause.
“We are allowed to appoint civilians as special police officers under extraordinary circumstances and we have reached a stage where we need such additional help,” a senior IPS officer said.
In addition to maintaining the law and order during the coronavirus restrictions, these special police officers will also help citizens purchase groceries or any other essential goods. Police officials specified that this service by the citizens is voluntary.
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The chosen individuals have been issued a certificate of appointment that specifies the duration and validity of their service as per Sections 21 (1) (2) (B) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951.
The Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police has been given the authority to issue appointment letters to interested citizens. “To ensure that the power is not misused by any special police officer, we are checking the civilians’ history. If any case is registered against a person, then he/she will not be given the responsibility,” an officer was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
Around 8,000 constables have already been deployed to guard containment zones while some police officers have been placed outside sealed buildings to make sure people do not violate norms.
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“A residential building with more than five cases is being sealed by the BMC. We are making use of our constables and home guards to guard the entry and exits. However, we need someone with authority throughout the day and by introducing this concept, we can depute our staff to other locations and for more emergency situations, while seeking help from these civilians to guard the buildings,” the Deputy Commissioner of Police, S Chaitanya said.
“No one can say that the special police officers do not have any authority to stop them. If a violator doesn’t listen, a special police officer will contact the local police station that will then take necessary action against him/her,” he added.
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