Tourist Police Scheme
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) has prepared a detailed report on developing the Scheme for Tourist Police, which may act as a template for the States and Union Territories for setting up their State/UT Tourist Police.
Necessity of Tourist Police Scheme
- Safety & security of tourists is the most important aspect in the planning of visit to any tourist destination.
- Ministry of Tourism is aware of the security concerns of tourists and has taken all possible measures to provide a safe and secure atmosphere, especially at important tourist destinations. Even a single sporadic incident of violence or crime against any tourist can jeopardize India’s entire perception.
- Therefore, it is of utmost importance that a system of well developed and well-organized safety and security mechanisms is evolved and visible to tourists at all important tourist destinations.
Objectives of Tourist Police Scheme
- To suggest a replicable template for setting up of Tourist Police Wing in States and UTs. This template would specifically deal with:
- Preparation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed by the Tourist Police in States and UTs
- Development of a training program for ‘Tourist Police’
- Suggestion for the Uniform of Tourist Police
Recommendations of Tourist Police Scheme:
- Tourist Police Stations should be responsible for effective working and management of
- Tourist Police functions to provide best services to tourists.
- Tourist Police Station can work within the jurisdiction of the District Police headed by the Superintendent of Police for all policing purposes to contain crime against tourists.
- The Tourist Police Kiosks should be located at important tourist spots and cater to the requirements of tourists
- The gender ratio of Policemen in Tourist Police is proposed to be 50:50. The deputation term should last from 2 to 3 years.
- Suitable Police procedures for Tourist Police functioning may be framed and adopted, maintaining uniformity across all States/ UTs.
- The Tourist Police personnel shall be deployed at the major tourist attractions, including monuments, entry and exit points, i.e., airport, railway stations and bus terminals, religious places, shopping areas, entertainment areas, etc., where tourists might need help
The following shall come under the purview of the Tourist Police:
- To ensure no harassment is caused to the tourists by touts, beggars and cheats
- To help tourists at the Railway Stations, Airports, Bus Terminals, important tourist places, in getting transport and providing information about Hotels/Restaurants without hassle.
- To ensure safety and security at tourist spots
- To provide information related to tourist places in State and other adjoining areas
- To help tourists in resolving their issues and facilitating comfortable stay
You may also like to read these articles