'DNA' Edit: Expanding city needs fighting fit cops

First let’s deal with the statistics: the population of Pune, as per the 2011 Census, is 50.49 lakh, up from 25.38 lakh just a decade ago. The strength of Pune police is around 8,000 personnel. Now, the not-so-pleasant facts. A recent city police report has revealed that only 1,896 of the 6,000 personnel who underwent a fitness test could qualify - that is 70 per cent of city police personnel are unfit!

This sorry figure came out in the open following the state government’s initiative, implemented in 2006, of giving Rs250 per month as fitness allowance to policemen, along with their salaries, to encourage physical fitness. Only those personnel, from constable to inspector rank, who clear the fitness tests can make the cut. The main function of the police force is to protect the lives and property of citizens, maintain peace and order in the city, prevent and detect crime, bring offenders to justice, manage traffic, uphold the law and provide policing service.

With Pune city expanding at an alarming rate and bursting at its seams, policing has become all the more important. With recent cases of police personnel failing to protect themselves and citizens, questions are being raised about their health and fitness. With the men in khaki working long hours, especially at night, under immense stress, the higher-ups should make efforts to increase workforce and ensure that the staff undergoes regular workouts and medical check-ups.

The authorities must also put in place periodic psychological screening of its personnel and take greater interest in monitoring the fitness levels of its police officers and constabulary. Only a police force with sound health can provide security to citizens.