THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:Even as the orderly issue is creating ripples within the force, it has been revealed as many as 6,067 police personnel are being deployed for other duties. Of them, around 700 are working as orderlies and security officers without the mandatory processes being followed.
Police sources revealed among the 700 cops, most are attached with former ministers, MLAs, political leaders cutting across parties and serving and retired cops. Though the current ruling dispensation had initiated process to repatriate those staying away from police duty and working as orderlies of powerful people and officers, the move met a premature death due to political interference.
“The government had decided not to renew working arrangement of police personnel, due to which some of the cops returned to their units initially. However, the programme lost its gas soon,” said a source.
Sources said the ‘missing policemen’ still serve some former state police chiefs, former Union Ministers, MLAs and even party leaders who don’t have any Assembly or Parliamentary memberships.
Former DGP T P Senkumar said theSecurity Screening Committee takes into account inputs from the Intelligence Bureau and the state intelligence apparatus before deciding on the strength of security an officer needs.
“The threat perception is evaluated first and then the required strength of security is decided. If excess security is provided, it should be removed,” said Senkumar.“However, decisions should be taken in a way so as not to affect the integrity and efficiency of the department,” he said.