The police have sent a proposal to the state government stating that there is a need to make these volunteers more accountable and to treat them as part of the security machinery. The government has accepted the suggestion.
The police force will soon induct 6,000 men to keep an eye on coastal areas. But instead of hiring new staff, it plans to take on its rolls the volunteers of Sagar Suraksha Dal (SSD), a group formed after the 1993 serial blasts, and appoint them as special police officers (SPO).
The police have sent a proposal to the state government stating that there is a need to make these volunteers more accountable and to treat them as part of the security machinery. The government has accepted the suggestion.
“There is a need to take this step as there are nearly 6,000 SDD volunteers across the state working without being governed by anyone. We want to train them as there should be discipline and control over them. Also, by inducting them as SPOs, they will be made more accountable for their work and will have a sense of connect with the police,” said a senior police official requesting anonymity.
He added that there is a provision to appoint special police officers under the Mumbai Police Act. “The importance of SDDs has already being recognised by other agencies. Their role has been specifically mentioned in the standard operation procedures (SOP) of the Bureau of Police Research and Development and Indian Coast Guard. Their role is to gather intelligence, surveillance and patrol the waters. They will assist the police in vigilance and intelligence gathering,” the officer said.
Inspector general of police (Konkan Range), Parambir Singh, said that SDD was formed after the 1993 serial blasts with a view to take help of the local fishermen community in monitoring the waters. “There are various SDD groups across the state. They belong to the fishermen community and are dedicated towards keeping vigil on suspicious vessels,” he said.
When asked what benefits would be given to SDD volunteers after being recognised as SPOs, the officer said, “As of now, they just keep vigil in the waters in their vessels and boats. After being recognised as SPOs, they would be entitled to basic marine training, special uniforms and ID cards would be given to them, torch and other tools required for vigilance would also be provided. In addition, they will get a decent honourarium. We have already given them mobile phones so that they can remain in touch with police control rooms across the state.”
“The government has asked us to submit details such as requirements and expenses that would be incurred for the betterment of SDD volunteers,” said the officer.
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