In a bid to streamline public grievances and enhance accountability within the police force, the Ahmedabad Police Commissionerate has issued new guidelines mandating specific visitation hours for senior officers. The directive, signed by Commissioner of Police G S Malik, aims to ensure that officers at various levels are available to address public concerns in an organised manner.

According to the official order, senior officers, including the Special Commissioner of Police, Joint Commissioner of Police, Additional Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, must be available for public meetings every day between 12 noon and 2 pm. During this time, citizens can present their grievances directly to these officials, and any written complaints submitted will be officially recorded for necessary legal action. In cases where an officer is unavailable, their personal assistant will receive complaints on their behalf and ensure they reach the concerned officer for further action.

Police inspectors to hold evening meetings

For police inspectors stationed at police stations, the order recognises that their mornings are often occupied with court proceedings, investigations, and affidavits. To address this, they have been directed to meet visitors between 4 and 6 pm to listen to complaints and take appropriate legal action.

Additionally, between 6 and 9 pm, station officers must conduct field duties, including patrolling, checking criminal records, tracking absconding suspects, and monitoring known offenders in their jurisdictions. Deputy commissioners of police will conduct surprise inspections to ensure compliance with these duties.

Strict night duty guidelines

Police station officers are required to be present within their jurisdiction from 9 pm to midnight and must not leave their designated area without prior approval from the Commissioner of Police. If they are assigned night rounds (shift), they may leave at 9.30 pm, conducting patrols until 11 pm, followed by regular night rounds from 11 pm to 5 am.

After completing night rounds, officers must report to their police station by 12.30 pm the following day. On days without night rounds, they must arrive at their station by 10 am.

Applicable to all police units

The order applies to all police offices and stations across Ahmedabad, including Crime Branch, Cyber Cell, Women's Police Stations, and Traffic Police Stations. Senior officers have been instructed to strictly adhere to and enforce these new visitation and duty schedules.

With these measures, Ahmedabad Police aims to enhance public access to law enforcement officials, improve responsiveness to grievances, and strengthen field operations to ensure better law and order in the city.