Police patrolling narrow streets of Chennai, making friends with people, gathering intelligence and educating people to be careful. CHENNAI: SEPTEMBER 5: Bicycle Policing is a people friendly and good idea to gather intelligence going in to the narrow streets of Chennai city. The green cycle, with a siren, walkie-talkie, and affixed with a Chennai city police logo makes its way through the narrow streets of each and every narrow streets of the City. Police constables make daily rounds with a baton in hand and a smile on his face. Navigating the area and smelling any issues if any around. 1,000-odd personnel patrol the streets of Chennai during late nights and in the afternoons. Recently Chief Minister Ms. J Jayalalithaa gave away 250 cycles to the city police, members of the force are now becoming more than just law enforcers. These police personnel put on a benign face, honing their people skills and engage with residents by gaining their trust. They advise residents to help them in their work, observe and report if they find any suspicious activity and tipping them when local goons create a nuisance. Whether it is temple or any apartment complex, the constables take effort to get some information, about the newcomers in the area or number of locked houses. The initiative does not only involve information gathering, but also spreads the word of caution on safe practices. The advice and encourages shop owners to keep their CCTV cameras on and tells women to be careful of chain snatchers. ]]>
