Taking cognisance of traffic cops spending long hours on the mobile phone during the State’s rush hour traffic, Goa’s new Inspector General of Police, Sunil Garg, has banned all constables across the board from using mobile phones for personal uses while on duty.
Garg also paid a visit to the Panaji town police station to enquire about the living conditions of policemen.Garg said that the ban was a result of complaints he received, about the perception of police from people across sections. It wasn’t uncommon to see local traffic police constables directing traffic with one hand while speaking on the mobile phone with the other.
“They will serve the public better (without mobile phones),” Garg said, clarifying that mobile phones could be carried on their person, only to be used in case of emergencies. The issue was even raised in the State legislative Assembly by legislators across political lines.