Cops' vehicles to be taken away to escort Games' VIPs

Don't be surprised if you see men in khaki springing out of a vehicle that says 'All India Tourist Permit' at a crime scene instead of 'Delhi Police' once the Commonwealth Games begin. Or if your local SHO goes by in a private Indica, beacon light flashing. Because all the wheels of the Delhi  Police's middle level officers will be used as escorts for athletes and officials for the Games.

The Delhi government has asked all police officers from assistant commissioner of police (ACP) downwards to put their government vehicles on Games duty. This, because the state government hasn't been able to hire enough vehicles from private transporters.

Of the 2,000 vehicles to be used as security escorts and pilots, 400 will be the Delhi Police's distinctive white Maruti Gypsies and Chevrolet Taveras.

"These vehicles will add to those already sanctioned as convoy escorts and pilots," said a senior Delhi police officer requesting anonymity.

The officer also said that the officers have to give up their vehicles from September 16, when the first batch of foreign delegates arrives. To facilitate their patrolling and commute, each officer will be given an allowance of Rs 2,400 a day.

The officer said Delhi Police's PCR reserve might also be pressed into the security arrangement if required.

"The vehicles will be acquired as per requirement during the event. We will use the log-book system to compensate the private vehicle providers on the basis of the vehicle's daily usage," said Rajan Bhagat, spokesman, Delhi Police.