POLICE CONTROL ROOM Gypsys may be a thing of the past, if this experiment succeeds.
In an attempt to produce better results while chasing criminals, police are taking a new look at their infrastructure. The result may be that Gypsys, that have become synonymous with policing, may give way to ‘‘better equipped’’ Toyota Qualis.
Police Control Rooms (PCR) will trial run two vehicles that police have acquired before deciding on completely replacing the Gypsy fleet with Qualis. Sources said that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has already approved of Delhi Police’s plan to acquire them. ‘‘They are expected to be inducted into the PCR fleet next week,’’ sources said.
Officials say the experiment is a part of adopting a holistic approach towards curbing crime in Delhi. The city’s expansion and the subsequent increase in population means that speed will be an important factor in policing in the future. ‘‘The focus here is on keeping a check on organised crime, wherein the criminals try to escape after, let us say, a highway robbery. The thinking is that a Qualis will be effective in this regard,’’ a police official said.
Apart from the speed, officials point out that Qualis wins the race in terms of space as well. ‘‘Imagine a situation wherein one or more injured persons need to be carried to a hospital. There may also be occasions when we need more men. Toyota Qualis has more space,’’ he said.
Gypsys have been identified with the PCR team since they were stationed at various places in the city to curb crime in the early 90s. Now each van is manned by an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a driver. ‘‘There is no need for nostalgia. We have to move with the times,’’ the official said when pointed out that people may find it tough to identify police with Qualis after being used to Maruti Gypsys for long.