Mangaluru: Police officer and staff positions in various stations under the Mangaluru City Commissionerate have not been fully filled, hindering the maintenance of law and order, daily beat systems, public services, security arrangements, and sentry duties. Additionally, this has led to increased work pressure on the existing police force.

Out of a total of 1,406 sanctioned posts for various stations, 1,265 officers and staff are currently on duty, leaving 141 positions vacant. Four stations are operating without Inspectors, and 19 stations lack Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs).

As Mangaluru grows as a hub for trade, education, tourism, and religion, the police department's responsibility to maintain law and order is increasing daily. Managing cybercrime, drug trafficking and sales, traffic issues, and security for public events has become a challenge in recent times. Given the city's expansion, population growth, and the rise in criminal cases, it is essential to deploy the full strength of personnel allotted to the stations.

4 stations without PIs

Inspector posts in four stations under the Commissionerate are vacant, with Inspectors from other stations currently holding additional charge. The Barke, Women’s, Konaje, and Traffic East (Kadri) stations currently lack permanent Police Inspectors. This has also caused inconvenience to the public visiting these stations for various works.

Increased problems in traffic stations

The staff shortage has exacerbated issues in traffic police stations as well. A large number of personnel are required daily for traffic control and other duties. Currently, 8 staff positions are vacant in the North Traffic Station, 1 officer and 7 staff in the West Traffic Station, 2 officers and 7 staff in the East Traffic Station, and 1 officer and 10 staff positions in the South Traffic Station. This has necessitated the deployment of Home Guards for traffic control.

High vacancy in PC posts

According to department statistics, the shortage is most prominent in Constable posts. Out of the 141 total vacancies, 115 are for Police Constables. Constables primarily work in the field rather than offices, playing a crucial role in daily patrolling, arrest operations, public service, and security duties. The shortage of Constables is likely to impact the operational efficiency of the stations. In the City Crime Branch (CCB), which plays a key role in crime detection, 13 Constable posts are yet to be filled.

Recruitment expected

"The process of filling vacant posts in the police department is underway. One phase of recruitment has already taken place, and more officers and staff are expected to be appointed in the coming days. Despite the staff shortage, we have succeeded in detecting several cases and maintaining law and order," said Sudheer Kumar Reddy, Police Commissioner.

Bharath Shettigar