Delhi Police proposes air patrols to meet new challenges

The letter, forwarded by a Special Commissioner, mentions Commissioner B S Bassi’s remarks on the use of helicopters by police.

“If we use (the helicopters) for traffic, an intelligent assessment be made about the average usage per day so that a cheaper option can be identified. Also visualise usage for law and order and crime prevention duties. Also how it will enhance women’s safety,” Bassi notes in the letter circulated among Joint Commissioners.

Sources said the Ministry of Home Affairs has asked for an estimate of the cost that will be incurred and the number of helicopters the force will need.

Senior officers, in their discussions with Pawan Hans, mentioned that at least two helicopters will be needed, the sources said.

The final proposal for the helicopter patrol is likely to be submitted this week.

After visiting the police headquarters on June 16, Rajnath Singh told reporters that he had a discussion with senior officers on how the force could be modernised to tackle law and order problems.

In a police PowerPoint presentation, prepared after the new government took charge at the Centre, hiring of helicopters was one of the highlights.

“We need helicopters for not just law and order duty but also to give us an advantage from the sky in the eventuality of an attack. Monitoring traffic is going to be very easy. To start with, two helicopters should be enough, one each for law-and-order and traffic. We are submitting exact details to the MHA. We hope it will get cleared soon,” a senior officer said.