Modified sub-beat system, simply called the modern beat system, is helping the police perform their duties better, say officials.
In this system, each of the 629 villages has been assigned either a constable or a head constable based on the size and history of law and order disturbances.
The system, which started on a pilot basis in Humnabad sub-division a few months ago, has been extended to the whole district. The frequency and quality of feedback from the people has improved this system, SP Prakash Nikam told The Hindu .
The system works like this: the constable is supposed to spend as much time as possible in the assigned village, collect information about individuals, organisations and groups. The constable is also tasked with alerting senior officials before the possibilities of law and order disturbances. He would be held accountable in case he fails to sense trouble, the SP said. Our personnel are feeling empowered and the residents are showing a sense of involvement, he said.
Earlier, a group of police personnel were assigned a couple of villages. This made it difficult to pin-point who was responsible for which village. The new system makes it easier for us to hold officers and personnel accountable, Mr. Nikam said. The constables will also help in routine works such as passport verification and distribution of court summons.
Each constable is handed copies of the beat book, considered a vital document in the department. Filled with statistics, details and colour photographs, the book has information about public properties in the village, religious institutions, pilgrimage centres, schools, hospitals, water bodies and other such centres, lands and buildings with a history of law and order disturbance. The constables will keep adding information to it. It will act as a reference document for the senior officers.
Another senior officer said the new system has brought in a fundamental change. It has led to a better relationship between people and the police. Our sources of intelligence have been strengthened and in some cases, rejuvenated, he said. We have been able to sense possible law and order disturbances early and diffuse them.
The constable is also the convenor of a village citizen’s committee that has members from all age groups. The committee will be as broad based as possible. It will have representatives of all religious and caste groups in the village. It will also have those associated with different groups and associations. They will remain in constant touch with the convenor. They will inform him of important happenings in the village and surrounding villages, he said.
A similar beat system was tried in Bengaluru city when Ajai Kumar Singh was the Joint Commissioner of police more than a decade ago. Constables living in particular areas were given charge of beats near their places of residence. This helped get vital inputs for the department. But the system was discontinued in the next few years, the officer said.
