TEAM HERALD
PONDA: The police department’s decision to transfer a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) from the Ponda Police Station recently has added to the acute staff shortage. Though five PSIs have been sanctioned for the Ponda police station, only three PSIs are catering to a large area.
Besides shortage of PSIs, the Ponda PS does not have a Lady Police Sub-Inspector (LPSI) or a Lady Assistant Sub-Inspector (LASI), even though one post has been sanctioned for both ranks. Out of the five sanctioned Lady Police Constables (LPC), there are only three presently serving at the station.
There are three Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASI), fewer than the sanctioned staff of eight ASIs and there are 18 Head Constables (HC), as opposed to the sanctioned staff of 20 HCs. Until recently, there were only 60 police constables as opposed to the sanctioned strength of 100 PCs.
Though the department had deputed 30 new recruits, police officials admit that it will take time for the new recruits to understand the functioning at the police station.
“This is the same story at almost every police station in the state. The recruitment process is on to fill in vacant positions. However, shortage of police personnel is a matter of concern. Apart from maintaining law and order, the officers are also under pressure to detect crimes. With staff shortage, it will surely put added pressure on the officer while discharging duties,” said a police official on condition of anonymity.
The Ponda police station is headed by one PI and has 19 panchayats and a municipality under its jurisdiction. A small portion of the newly formed Dharbandora taluka also comes under the purview of the Ponda police.
