If you happen to see high speed Multi-Utility Vehicles of the police with flashing lights speeding across the city streets, do not be amazed. As part of initiative to modernise the Police Control Room, the City Police has received nine brand new Chevrolet Tavera cars fitted with advanced system for surveillance activities. The other nine multi-utility vehicles will be given to the Control Room within a few months.
According to police officials, the Department has purchased more than 100 vehicles to strengthen the activities of Control Rooms across the state. The Kochi City Police have been given 18 new vehicles. “Each vehicle is fitted with equipment such as Digital Radio System, Global Positioning System and Smart Vehicle Tracking System that cost around Rs 16 lakh. The vehicles can run at a speed of 150-km which can help police officials decrease the response time. It takes more than 20 minutes to reach the crime spot in the vehicles used now which can be reduced to less than 10 minutes. The department is looking to induct new bikes also,” police officials said.
The maintenance of the vehicles was a major issue for the Control Room. The police officials believe that even if they get the fastest vehicles in the world, they cannot last for more than three years. “The last time we received the MUVs was four years ago. After the completion of the free service provided by the company, the vehicles could not be operated for more than two years. Due to continuous use without proper maintenance work the vehicle never lasted long. Those MUVs also had advanced communication system. But the systems stopped functioning after two years,” officials said.
The police stations in the exterior parts of the city will also get new vehicle considering the long distance required to be covered daily for patrolling activities. “Police stations in Udyamperoor, Eloor, Mulavukkad, Kalamassery and Kannamaly require more vehicles as the territory of these stations are wider than those within the city limits. Additional vehicles would help in enhancing patrolling activities. Additional vehicle would be provided within a few weeks,” officials said.