Gujarat DGP directs police to cut ‘112’ emergency response time

Gandhinagar, Aug 18 (IANS) Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Singh Malik has directed senior police officers across the state to reduce response times for Emergency Service ‘112’ and ensure citizens receive immediate assistance during emergencies.

Malik issued the directions during a video conference review meeting on the prevailing law and order situation in the state, held with all police commissioners, range heads and district superintendents of police.

The meeting was conducted from Police Bhavan in Gandhinagar. Officials undertook a detailed review of the functioning of the Emergency Response Support System 112, with particular emphasis on its response time.

Malik directed officials to continuously monitor the system’s performance and take corrective measures as needed. The meeting also focused on ensuring the adequate availability of police vehicles and drivers for emergency responses.

Senior officers were instructed to ensure that vehicles off the road are repaired immediately so they do not affect police response during emergencies.

The attendance of 112 personnel was also reviewed, with officials directed to ensure proper staff availability.

The meeting further stressed the need for effective coordination with control rooms when approving leave for 112 staff so staffing levels and emergency response capabilities are not affected.

Malik directed police officials to ensure police vehicles reach citizens in distress as quickly as possible and to reduce response times to the maximum extent possible. He also called for continuous monitoring of operations and timely corrective action to improve the delivery of emergency police assistance.

Gujarat is part of the Centre’s nationwide unified emergency response mechanism, designed to assist with emergencies involving police, fire, medical and other services through a single number.

The system can receive distress requests through voice calls, SMS, email, web requests and SOS/panic alerts. At the same time, its control centres can track emergency response vehicles in real time and dispatch the nearest available unit.

The official 112 portal says the system is designed to improve decision-making and minimise response times, with automatic location identification also available for callers in distress.

–IANS

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