THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With VIP security turning an occupational hazard for the local police, a suggestion is to have separate units for VIP security in all districts. According to sources in the police, so far no serious discussions have taken place on relieving local police from the burden. VIPs will have a dedicated security team to provide proximity security cover as well as escorts and pilots.
However, when VIPs visit a place, the responsibility of making the security arrangements is with the local police. This has been imposing an additional burden on the police stations that are already suffering from workforce shortage. "Especially in important cities, the local police would be burdened with VIP duties. As a result, postponable duties get postponed," a senior officer said.
"The present instance at Gandhinagar police station is the latest as the sub-inspector was compelled to give more priority to VIP duty than the plight of a young lady and her abducted husband." Police sources said that it was high time they maintained a separate team under each district police chief for VIP security. "The service of armed reserve police personnel shall be used for routine VIP security duty so that the local police is spared," another officer said.
