Mr. Vivek Phansalkar, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, on keeping Mumbai and Mumbaikars safe

Mr. Vivek Phansalkar, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, on keeping Mumbai and Mumbaikars safe

 

In a recent address to the Rotary Club of Bombay, Mr. Vivek Phansalkar, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, elucidated the challenges facing law enforcement in maintaining the safety of the city and its residents. Speaking candidly, Mr. Phansalkar outlined the realities of policing in Mumbai, highlighting both the limitations and ongoing efforts to tackle emerging threats.

Mr. Phansalkar revealed that the Mumbai Police force operates with far fewer personnel than commonly believed. With only 52,000 sanctioned positions, comprising both offcers and enlisted personnel, the force faces an uphill battle in maintaining public safety. Mr. Phansalkar cautioned against blindly accepting information, cautioning against the reliance on online sources that can inadvertently contribute to fraudulent activities by providing false assurances to unsuspecting victims.

Highlighting a recent incident involving a highly educated individual falling victim to an online scam, Mr. Phansalkar emphasised the prevalence of cyber frauds, including the deceptive FedEx courier scam. He recounted a six-hour conversation between a doctor and a fraudster, underscoring the psychological manipulation tactics employed by criminals.

Mr. Phansalkar expressed concern over the rising tide of economic offenses and cybercrime plaguing
the city. He urged industrial stakeholders to address systemic vulnerabilities, warning of the farreaching consequences of economic destabilisation.

To combat the surge in cybercrime, Mr. Phansalkar announced the establishment of ive dedicated
cybercrime police stations across different regions of Mumbai. These stations, equipped with
specialised units, aim to address complaints ranging from financial frauds to online harassment.
Emphasising the importance of awareness and vigilance, Mr. Phansalkar urged citizens to
exercise caution while interacting with unknown individuals online. He stressed the prevalence
of tactics such as sextortion and impersonation, warning against sharing sensitive information with
strangers.

In order to minimise financial losses incurred by victims of cyber fraud, Mr. Phansalkar highlighted
the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and major banks to expedite fraud investigations.
Addressing the importance of surveillance infrastructure, Mr. Phansalkar also highlighted the CCTV project’s role in crime prevention and detection. With close to 5,200 cameras in place on the street, there are plans to expand the network by adding over 5,000 additional cameras, bolstering the Mumbai Police’s surveillance capabilities to enhance public safety.

Mr. Phansalkar revealed staggering statistics on crime rates, particularly under the Protection of
Children from Sexual Oences Act, highlighting the government’s mandate for swi investigations.
He also outlined initiatives like the Nirbhaya project and the Integrated Grievance Redressal
System (IGRS) to streamline complaint procedures and enhance accountability.

In an effort to educate the public and empower citizens, the Mumbai Police has ramped up
community outreach initiatives, aiming to familiarise residents with new legislative changes and their rights under the law. Mr. Phansalkar highlighted the upcoming implementation of revised criminal procedure laws and em including managing law and order, economic offences, crime investigation, traffic control, and administrative duties.

Mr. Phansalkar then delved into the intricacies of the Mumbai Police’s operations, shedding light
on their eorts to combat a range of crimes, from maritime piracy to cyber frauds.
He also shed light on the unique jurisdiction of the Yellow Gate Police Station, responsible for
overseeing maritime security along the western coast of India, south of Mumbai. He recounted
instances of collaboration with the Indian Navy to combat piracy and enforce maritime laws,
illustrating the diverse challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in Mumbai.
Highlighting the successful interception of a Somalian pirate vessel by the Indian Navy, Mr.
Phansalkar revealed that the Yellow Gate police station played a crucial role in booking perpetrators
under the maritime anti-piracy act. Despite the covert nature of such operations, Mr. Phansalkar
assured the public of the city’s safety, emphasising the vigilance of law enforcement agencies.
Enumerating the Ive verticals of the Mumbai Police, Mr. Phansalkar emphasised the pivotal
role of the Crime Branch, particularly in counterterrorism efforts. He underscored the establishment
of specialised units like Force One, equipped to respond swiftly to terrorist threats.
In a testament to the Mumbai Police’s reputation, Mr. Phansalkar shared instances of their
expertise being sought by other law enforcement agencies, both nationally and internationally.
He underscored the importance of training and collaboration in upholding the legacy of the
Mumbai Police.

Mr. Phansalkar recounted a recent success story involving the swift apprehension of suspects
involved in a high-profile shooting case. Despite facing logistical challenges, the Mumbai Police
demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness in apprehending the perpetrators, showcasing the phasised
the importance of training offcers to adapt to these changes effectively.

With the impending Model Code of Conduct and department’s dedication to upholding law and
order. In recognition of the exemplary efforts of police personnel, Mr. Phansalkar mentioned the IMC’s
commendation of outstanding achievements. He underscored the relentless commitment of ocers,
often sacrificing personal comfort for the safety and security of the city.

Mr. Phansalkar concluded his address by underscoring the Mumbai Police’s commitment to
the city’s safety and the well-being of its residents, extending his gratitude to organisations like the Rotary Club for their support. He emphasised the importance of citizen cooperation and faith in law enforcement efforts.

Sharing insights into initiatives like retirement programmes for police personnel, Mr. Phansalkar highlighted the sacrifices made by officers for the betterment of the city. He expressed appreciation for citizens’ awareness and urged them to channel grievances through appropriate forums.

Relecting on the diverse challenges faced by the Mumbai Police, Mr. Phansalkar reiterated the department’s readiness to respond to emergencies, regardless of the nature of the situation. He emphasised the importance of spreading awareness about police helplines and initiatives to ensure prompt assistance to those in need.

In closing, Mr. Phansalkar invoked the words of Abraham Lincoln, urging unity and resolve in the face of challenges. He reaffrmed the Mumbai Police’s dedication to upholding justice and serving the community with integrity and compassion.

With a call to action for continued support and collaboration, Mr. Phansalkar thanked all the Rotarians present for the Rotary club’s constant encouragement and support to the Police force in general and Mumbai Police in particular.