‘If attacked now, we will kill terrorists in 30 min’

D Sivanandhan recently completed 100 days as Mumbai's police commissioner. In an interview with DNA, the officer talks about his achievements.

When you took charge, you said your top three priorities would be terrorism, terrorism, and terrorism. Have the priorities changed now?
No, tackling terrorism remains the priority and it shall be the same for the next few years.

What measures have you taken to improve the system?
We have had a multi-pronged attack to tackle various issues. We have equipped our force with state-of-the-art weaponry, equipment, and training. We have also started strengthening and revamping the intelligence network.

Several initiatives have been launched for policemen to boost their morale. There are the health programmes, camps, and workshops to help them. We have also launched initiatives to get in touch with the citizens, especially the elderly, women, and youth.

We have come down heavily on the drug mafia in the city. Detaching the anti-narcotics cell and making it part of the crime branch is a major step in that direction.

You are very tech-savvy and write a blog...
Technology is there for everyone to use. We are also trying to make the best use of it and reach out to as many people as possible. Writing blogs helps in that.

You have also started a few  websites...
Yes, one is a website for youngsters — www.copconnect.com.  It’s a place where the youth can connect with the police, share ideas and information. They can let us know about any of their friends who use drugs or are involved in illegal activities. Connecting with youngsters is important because they form a sizeable part of the population. Also, interaction with them is always productive as they come up with fresh and bright ideas.

The other website which has been started recently is www.hamarisuraksha.com. It’s a website designed for senior citizens, wherein they can upload their details and other important information, which will help the police to protect them.

Post-26/11, what are the confidence-building measures you have undertaken?
We are meeting citizens and corporations. I am personally meeting several people almost daily. Simultaneously, we are building the morale of the police force, which, in turn, will help citizens to have more confidence in our men.

How has the response of the Mumbai police to terror attacks changed after 26/11?
Today, in case of a terror attack, the terrorists will be killed within 30 minutes.