PCR vans to reduce response time

The concept of police control room (PCR) vans announced by the city police department, and set to be launched this Thursday, will reduce the response time of the police, enabling them to reach the scene of a crime faster.

Addressing a press conference at the police headquarters on Tuesday, joint commissioner of police (headquarters), HP Singh said that the city police had allotted one PCR van each to 18 strategic points in the city. These vans will function on the directions of the police control room. “Each van will have a police official who has undergone commando training and is a trained driver. He will also be equipped with latest gadgets and technology,” Singh said.

Deputy commissioner of police (control room) DB Vaghela told reporters that the vans will be directed by the control room to reach the scene of the crime. “The number of PCR vans will be gradually increased from 18 to 36. Later on, every police station will have its own PCR van,” a source in the police headquarters said. Seeking a proactive response to this unique system, the city police have appointed assistant sub-inspectors and head constables below 45 years of age, and constables and commandoes below 30 years for age to man the PCR vans. “Healthy and active people are required for the PCR vans,” an assistant sub-inspector appointed to work with a PCR van said.

In addition to reducing the response time, the police department also aims to make its presence felt at the scene of a crime, enabling the PCR vans to collect evidence. The gadgets and technology installed in these vans will be upgraded as and when required. “At a later stage, the PCR vans will be equipped with auto vehicle location systems (AVLS) and GPS,” Singh said. The location of every PCR van will be indicated on a screen in the control room with the help of the AVLS.