PANAJI
In one of the most sweeping structural reorganizations in recent months, the Police Establishment Board on Tuesday ordered the immediate transfer and posting of 195 police personnel across the state.
The ‘blockbuster’ order, covering ranks from Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) to Police Constables (PCs), including specialized drivers and wireless operators, however, reveals an incredibly skewed distribution pattern.
While the exercise appears to be redistributing manpower across the force, the transfers have significantly altered staffing patterns in several operational units, with some witnessing sharp depletion and others receiving substantial reinforcement.
The most striking impact has been on the State Police Control Room (SPCR), the central hub for police communications and emergency response coordination across the State.
According to the transfer order, around 27 personnel have been moved out of the unit, while only four personnel have been posted in their place, resulting in a net deficit of 23 personnel.
The reshuffle has also affected frontline policing units as at Anjuna Police Station and its Traffic Cell, eight personnel have been transferred out, while only five have been posted in return, resulting in a reduction in available strength in one of the busiest tourist policing jurisdictions.
The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) has also seen a decline in manpower, with around eight personnel shifted out to various units, including traffic formations, while the replacement strength falls short.
Panaji Police Station, which has already been grappling with manpower constraints, has also emerged weaker from the latest exercise. Three officers -- one PSI and two Assistant Sub-Inspectors -- have been transferred out, while only one PSI has been posted to the station.
The latest reshuffle comes at a time when several personnel transferred under earlier orders are reportedly yet to be relieved and continue to remain attached to their present postings, further complicating staffing availability on the ground.
In contrast, the State's Traffic Cells have emerged among the biggest beneficiaries of the transfer exercise. Traffic units in Ponda, Margao, Calangute, Bicholim and Mapusa together received a substantial influx of personnel, recording around 24 incoming postings against approximately 11 outgoing transfers.
The order also reflects attempts to maintain balance in select specialised and coastal units. A direct one-for-one exchange was carried out between Betul Coastal Police Station and Talpona Coastal Police Station, ensuring no change in overall strength at either station.
Smaller but strategic reinforcements were also made to specialised units, including the Pink Force and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) at Panaji.
The reshuffle, however, has already sparked discussion within police circles over whether the redistribution.
