THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Jacob Punnoose has taken over as the new DGP of the State.
Raman Srivastava, who had been holding the post, has handed over the charge to Jacob Punnoose. Since Srivastava, who has been posted as Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home, had to rush to Delhi on Monday early morning in view of the fresh developments there, he handed over the charges to Punnoose at Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
Punnoose formally took over as the DGP after reaching the Police Headquarters by 9.15 a.m.
Talking to reporters here after assuming charge, Punnoose said that steps would be taken to strengthen the security across the coastal area of the State.
The coastal police will be equipped with modern equipment and the police personnel will be given proper training.
A decision on seeking the Centre’s nod to constitute a team of NSG Commandos in the State will be taken after consulting the State Government.
He also sought public co-operation in ensuring security. It would be ensured that the service of the police force was utilised for duties pertaining to maintenance of law and order, instead of other less important duties, said the new DGP.
A police officer of the 1975 batch, Punnoose had held several sensitive posts within the State and outside. He was also instrumental in bringing in certain developments in the Police Department as well as in taking up welfare measures for the police.
Punnoose, who headed the committee that drafted the new Kerala Police Act, had also played important roles in drafting the Goonda Act in the State and modernising the police training syllabus. Senior police officials were present at the Police Headquarters to greet their new chief.