The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Security in hotels under scrutiny Law and order

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Saturday, Nov 29, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Security in hotels under scrutiny Law and order

Terror attacks in Mumbai call for urgent need to revamp the existing system, says
S. Vijay Kumar

— Photo: S.S.Kumar

Th0rough job: Policemen checking a vehicle at a star hotel in Chennai on Thursday.

Every terrorist attack gives a new dimension to policing with the emphasis that it could have been prevented had adequate preventive measures been taken.

The latest is the attack on a couple of luxury hotels in Mumbai that has called for the urgent need to revamp the security system in hotels and resorts.

In Chennai, Commissioner of Police K. Radhakrishnan has called for a meeting of hotel representatives on Saturday to sensitise them on the prevailing security challenges.

“We want them to install latest security gadgets such as speed dome cameras, closed-circuit television network, metal/explosive detectors and scanner machines. A couple of hotels also have sniffer dogs, which is a good initiative. Security managers will be given a set of guidelines to be followed,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said adding that security arrangements should remain on a permanent basis.

Chennai Suburban Commissioner S.R. Jangid, who interacted with hotel managers on Friday, has put in place a security scheme. Servant entry and exit gates have been closed in luxury hotels. All incoming vehicles and baggage are being checked.

“We have asked the hotel authorities to allow only known guests. While seeking photo identity cards from strangers, reception staff have been sensitised to verify visa and passport particulars of foreign nationals. Instructions have been given to confine visitors to the lobby area for the time being,” a senior police official said.

Asked whether guests or visitors would like their identity being checked or frisking of their baggage, the official said people would welcome such measures taking the current scenario into consideration. Constables with AK-47 assault rifles, an armed Sub-Inspector of Police and plainclothesmen were deployed at major hotels in the city and the suburban area, he said.

Vehicles entering the city through five entry points are being subjected to a three-tier check, police sources said.

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