The Maharashtra Police is the most accomplished police force in the country in crime detection. Over a period of time, with the advent of technology, the State Police has managed to bridge the gap between cops and communities. They have a strong presence on social media thereby using this medium as an effective tool for communication with citizens.
With its headquarters in Mumbai, the Maharashtra Police has more than 35 districts under its jurisdiction. One such district is Washim, located in north east Maharashtra. Washim Police, with it headquarters in Washim, has several departments that monitor the crime scenario in the district. The headquarter maintains the reserve police force that is used for guard duty, escort duty and other regular duties. Basic police training sessions are also held from time to time.
Washim Police is under the supervision of SP Vasant Pardeshi (IPS) who recently took charge from Mokshada Patil (IPS).
In case of law and order breakdown, the police headquarter puts the reserve police force into service to handle the situation. The Reserve Police Inspector of the headquarter manages discipline, training, canteen, store, armour room, building maintenance, quarter guard and magazines which are under the supervision of the DSP and SP.
Control Room
The control room plays a very important role in the proper functioning of police activities. It performs the role of communicator between the field staff and controlling authorities at all levels. The control room also monitors the movements of the Force and ensures proper execution of orders.
During critical situations, and in the absence of senior officers/unit commanders, the Control Room Officer is the one with decisive powers. He gives directions to the officers present on the spot, and if required, dispatch forces to assist the police officers on the spot.
The control room promptly communicate important events to the Unit Commander, other senior officers and the DG Control Room.
Cyber Cell
Cybercrime cases are increasing with each passing day and is a topic of concern for the police department. The State Police has ordered city and district police force to set up cyber cells to deal with such online frauds and illegal digital activities. A cyber cell investigates internet and mobile-related crimes. It maintains vigilance on various internet activities that can lead to law and order problems.
The cyber space connects us virtually with online users from across the globe. With increased use of cyberspace, women and children tend to become victims of cyber stalking, cyber bullying, cyber harassment, child pornography, rape content etc.
“Cyber crimes are increasing because it gets difficult to trace the accused. Awareness about the different kinds of cyber crimes is a must so that one is alert and informs the police,” said a police officer from Cyber Branch, Mumbai.
Computer Section/CCTNS
As per guidelines and orders of DGP – Maharashtra, Crime and Criminal Tracking System is implemented in Washim District. According to the guideline, all the police stations should have an updated FIR-related database online.
All police officers/men are trained well and provided with User IDs and passwords for proper functioning of CCTS (CAS) software. All entries at the level of police stations are entered online in CCTS (CAS) like FIR, missing, dead bodies, arrested person, criminals etc. CCTNS project is a centralised project of the Central Government. The data entered in this will be helpful in criminal investigation across the country.
Police Welfare
The Police Welfare Branch at Washim Police conducts various welfare programmes for its police employees. Health camp, blood donation camp, yoga training etc. are held under on a regular basis. A rest house has also been set up for senior officers.
A rehabilitation centre has also been set up for addicts.
Maharashtra Family Health Scheme has also been implemented. Under this scheme, free health facility is provided to all the police officers. The Scheme also includes health check-up of the officers, wife/husband, parents of the officer and two children.
Police games will soon be organised for all the police officers at Washim headquarters. The level of participation will depend on their capability.
- District level
- Range level
- State level
- National level
Wireless Branch
Officers and police employees are deployed in the wireless section of Washim Police. They perform tasks like wireless communication, technical enhancement and other related work. Directorate of Police Wireless was created in December 1946 in the erstwhile Bombay State.
- Adequate number of computers with internet facility, printers, copying machines, fax machine etc. are available, and all police officers/men are provided with smartphones for communication.
2 Private establishments within the jurisdiction of the police station are encouraged to install CCTV systems.
Role of District Special Branch
- Intelligence collection and analysis.
- Checking sensitive (vital installations) areas in the district.
- As per Indian Secret Act 1923 c 8 (1), plan the restricted area for the city and district.
- Auditing of stores of explosives and magazines.
- Gathering information about foreigners visiting the district.
- Investigation of underground foreigners.
- Character verification/ passport verification.
- Gathering information about hunger strike, self-immolation cases.
- Maintaining law & order during morchas, strikes, etc.
- Planning security arrangements for VIP, VVIP & important persons.
- Election & mega festival security arrangement.
- Keeping watch on political parties and their activities.
- Gathering information about fire and explosives etc.
- Secret report preparation and providing it to senior staff as well as the government.
- Practice and restructure schemes like flood scheme, emergency scheme, airbag water works, employees strike scheme, S.T. corporation employees strike scheme, M.S E.D.C. Ltd. employees strike scheme etc.
by Mohit Naik
