A cop and a gentleman

DELHI TRAFFIC police are set to do a London Bobby on poor, unsuspecting Delhi-ites. Imagine what it would do to the innocent citizens of the capital if they were to be accosted by courteous, English-speaking cops. Their credulity would be stretched to the limit, and there would have to be prolonged self-pinching sessions before suspension of disbelief is achieved. But that’s exactly the kind of scenario Delhi-ites may actually have to prepare for if the British High Commission’s offer to help Delhi Police revamp its image should bear fruit.

Delhi’s top cops seem to have realised that Delhi Traffic Police’s present attitude will not do when they are called upon to deal with foreign guests at the Commonwealth Games of 2010. Nitpickers will say there is an implicit admission here that their attitude is quite alright for Delhi-ites themselves. But let’s give credit where it’s due – this is a positive step. As many civil society groups have demanded from time to time, Delhi Police – just like police across the country – need to be trained to see their role as one of providing a public service rather than lording over the citizenry. Among other things, this includes a need for gender sensitisation of police personnel right through the hierarchy, as well as the inculcation of a strong service ethic.

So far, however, Delhi Police has been better known for coining pithy slogans – ‘With You, For You. Always’ and ‘Citizens First’ – than for real reform. But fancy slogans do not a good police force make; more concrete efforts are needed on the ground. Which is why the present move is a step in the right direction, albeit a small one. We can only hope that this crash course in personality development and etiquette – largely cosmetic improvements – will be followed by more substantial efforts aimed at improving the quality of policing in the capital. Meanwhile, Delhi residents can look forward to the day when traffic cops say a cheerful ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.