Mumbai Cops deserve more respect

Twenty two-year-old Malavni resident Aman Bhartia reads everything that comes his way. Currently studying civil and criminal law at Orlem, Bhartia wishes for a change in perspective towards our city's policemen.

He believes that Mumbai police is the best in India and deserves more respect from society. "If the traffic police fines us for not wearing a helmet, it is not because they like earning bribes, it is for our own safety. People should realise that they work even on festival days, and that too for long hours. The government should increase their salaries and have shorter shifts so that there is more employment. This way, it will inspire them to do their work," he said.

Bhartia also believes that citizens can ease the burden on cops by following the rules, instead of breaking them. "We can help them by following traffic rules. We should approach them without fear as they are here to help us live in a safer society. They have a tremendous workload and we should empathise with it," he said.

Bhartia also sees a need for change when it comes to corruption in the police department. He says that his area in Malad is becoming notorious for drug dealing and complaints are falling on deaf ears. "Many of us have threatened the drug dealers but they say that they'll be in jail for two days and enjoy free meals. Then, after bribing the cops, they will be free. I have witnessed these peddlers being taken away in police vans but re-appearing the next day," he said.

He suggests sending notices to higher authorities to curb such corruption. "We need to stand united against these drug peddlers and file notices across the city, wherever the problem exists. Once the ACPs and DCPs get an overwhelming response, the police force will have to take strong action. We must not give in to the fear of repercussions from drug dealers," he said.