Says it's bad for their careers, people don't take them seriously.
Stung by the poor image traffic cops have, because of a few who accept bribes from offenders, Dr BK Upadhyay, the new joint commissioner of police (traffic) is planning to discipline policemen through education and vigilance measures.
"I will soon start conducting sessions with policemen to make them understand the repercussions of taking bribes. Not only can it destroy their careers, but it also gives people a very bad impression due to which nobody takes them seriously," Upadhyay told dna in an interview last weekend.
Pointing out that there were only a few bad apples, he underlined that the bribe amount did not matter as there was always a risk of getting caught by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Upadhyay did not specifically refer to people who paid bribes to escape being punished for committing an offence. But he did express his concern about the belief among some people that they could get away by paying money. "Even if they (cops) are not caught, the entire department is mocked at the way a few corrupt policemen function and people don't follow the rules because they know there is an easy way out," he said.
The joint commissioner emphasised that when motorists breaking the regulations are penalised appropriately, they would be led to abide by the rules. This would curb dangerous driving and change the traffic situation, reducing the number of accidents witnessed particularly due to negligence.
On the vigilance drive, Upadhyay said he would himself pick the members of the committee based on track record. "The committee will report directly to me about any policeman who they come across as corrupt. Once the allegations are proved beyond any reasonable doubt, either the person will be transferred or suspended depending on the gravity of the situation," Upadhyay said.
So, motorists would do well to refrain from fueling corruption. Better still, follow road rules and you will help the police also stay out of trouble.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}