Eight-hour shift for Mumbai cops on trial

In a landmark initiative, lower-ranking police personnel from police stations in central suburbs have been asked to work in eight-hour shifts. The initiative has been taken up on a trial basis, and there is a possibility that it shall be adopted by other police stations, if successful.

The initiative is aimed at reducing stress among the police force that has seen many complaining of the long work hours. Many have cited long hours as the cause of their health problems and dip in work efficiency.
 
According to sources, the initiative was in the pipeline for many years, but could not be executed due to the problems like shortage of manpower, continuous intelligence alerts, festivals, and bandobast. “The eight-hour-shift has been started in the central suburbs on an experimental basis and based on the results, we might implement it in other regions as well,” said Nisar Tamboli, deputy commissioner of police.

The initiative is applicable only for the police personnel from the rank of assistant police inspector and below and only those working on beats. The others will continue to function as usual.

As per the officials, the shift timings are 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm and 11pm-7am. The shift timings will not be applicable if there are any emergencies and the personnel will have to work as per the orders from their superiors.

According to an RTI estimate, one cop dies every 48 hours, and over 950 cops have died in the past five years. It is not surprising that the police personnels’ medical bills for the past five years amount to Rs101 crore (the amount also includes the immediate family members of the cops).

Though stress is a problem for the 44,000 strong police force, it is felt more acutely by those below class II (nearly 70%), as most of them end up spending more then 14 hours on duty and travelling.

The initiative has been appreciated by the police force. “The shift timings are such a relief, as now I too can have a personal life too,” said a police constable from Kurla police station. “Finally the top bosses have realised that we are human too” said a police naik.