Chennai city police are all set to deploy an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) for patrolling on sand at the Elliot's Beach in a few days. According to Shakeel Akhter, Additional Commissioner of Police, Law & Order, the ATV beach patrol will monitor the sands for criminal activity and to prevent beachgoers from swimming in the sea. “The vehicle will be quicker on sand and can easily reach any part of the beach with our personnel in case of an emergency,” Mr. Akhter said.
The ATV given to the city police by a private adventure sports operator on East Coast Road here comes with a 250 cc engine that can clock speeds of up to 60 kmph. The vehicle is fitted with a siren and other additional features of a police beat patrol motorcycle and also features the police colours, logo and tagline.
The ATV is all set for despatch and will be handed over to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adyar for a formal unveiling by the City Police Commissioner soon. “This is an initial step. We have sent a proposal to the State government to sanction more ATVs for patrolling Elliot's and Marina Beach as well. We are awaiting a reply,” said Mr. Akhter.
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He added that the ATV beach patrol could be formed as a squad of the city police on the lines of mounted police in the future.