Riot squad to get latest gadgets

New Delhi: In a bid to tackle any riot situation in the national capital, the Delhi police is set to upgrade its anti-riots squad by procuring the latest world class equipment. The establishment department of police has issued a notification for procurement of body protectors, FG (fiberglass.) helmets with metallic visor, polycarbonate shields, and polycarbonate batons. “The establishment department of police has made a notification to procure 7,135 body protectors, 5,717 FG helmets with metallic visor, 5,274 polycarbonate shields, and 10,508 polycarbonate batons. The polycarbonate baton will provide excellent protection against brick batting, stone pelting, iron rod/cane attacks. Body protector will help provide physical protection against brick-batting cane/knife attacks and projectiles encountered in riot situations and other policing functions,” said sources.

Learning from past mistakes of not being able to handle communal tension, the cops will be better prepared to avoid incidents like Trilokpuri or Bawana. Such equipment will help the force prepare and counter situations promptly.

“Such equipment will not only help control riots effectively, but will also save lives of our security personnel, who have been performing riot-controlling duties in the absence of modern equipment,” said sources.

“We are working towards procuring the equipment soon. Police personnel that have been  exposed to violent protests across the country urgently require equipment to shield themselves, and to protect the general public as well,” sources added.

It is important for the police force to tackle anti-social elements that are trying to disturb the communal harmony in the state.

This step can be seen as a confidence-building measure among the Delhi police personnel. The senior authority of the Delhi police is believed to have issued instructions to officers for giving top priority to cops’ safety.