Funds The state cabinet cleared proposals worth Rs127 crore to upgrade the arsenal of Mumbai Police. The money will be used for purchasing sophisticated weapons and improving the security system. The initiative comes after 26/11 when the police faced the terrorists with substandard weapons. The arsenal will be boosted with a new lot of AK-47s and self loading rifles (SLRs). Even the traffic police will be provided with self loading rifles (SLR).
The proposals also have grants for improvement of coastal policing through purchase of boasts and other useful devices.
More recruits The authorities are hopeful of getting more recruits to add to the current strength of 42,000-odd policemen in the city. With increasing crime in virtual space, the police are also stressing improvement in the cyber crime investigation cell and the government recently gave nod to the Mumbai Police to recruit around 40 officers in the cyber security and intelligence cell.
Communication, safety gear and hi-tech devices There are plans to replace the entire lot of old bullet-proof jackets with new ones. For better communication, the faulty wireless devices will be made functional, while a few new ones will be added. There are plans to increase surveillance in the city by installing CCTV cameras at all important junctions.
Coastal policing In order to boost security along the 124-km long coastline, the Mumbai Police are expecting at least six new speedboats this year. A proposal for twelve speedboats was forwarded to the Central government. In addition to the speedboats, the police may get essential equipment like life jackets and binoculars. Besides, they would also get training to man the waters.
There are plans to increase the number of weapons on each boat. At present, the police have only one SLR on each patrolling boat.
