Network of informants key to ensuring area’s safety: Vijay Dhopavkar

Do you think a Barcelona-style attack can take place in Colaba Causeway market?

We can not comment on whether the attack can take place or not, but we are alert. Plus, heavy vehicles are not allowed in South Mumbai. There are bandobasts at important checkpoints.

What measures are in place to identify suspicious objects, vehicles or persons?

Two of our policemen constantly scan the CCTV footage from our network of cameras. Beat chowkies and patrolling vans are alerted immediately if anything is suspicious is noticed. We also have a network of informers and receive inputs from intelligence agencies that can help us pre-empt attacks. Also, forces such as the QRT (Quick Reaction Task) and SRF (Secure Reserve Force) are also deployed in sensitive areas.

Are any steps taken to involve locals in security measures?

We conduct regular meetings with locals and shopkeepers to educate them on how to react if they find a suspicious object, vehicle or person near them. We brief them properly on how to tackle such situations and how to alert the police. We also conduct drills.