Delhi cops review security of city churches

New Delhi: Ahead of Christmas, the Delhi police conducted a security review of churches across the national capital. The special commissioner of police (law and order) asked the concerned official on December 9 to submit their compliance audit report till December 13.

In view of the Christmas festivities, the security at the churches was reviewed. The SHO and ACPs visited the churches and conducted a security audit.

“The coverage of churches under CCTV cameras and other physical security measures were ensured. The PCR vans and the police station staff going for patrolling were briefed about the subject. They were told that they must check the security of churches during night and at the time of patrolling,” sources said. “At some of the important churches, PCR vans may also be stationed. The briefing of PCR staff may be done by the concerned DCP,” sources added.

The Delhi police will provide adequate security at 224 churches ahead of Christmas. Sources said that all district DCPs and additional DCPs, especially those serving in New Delhi and South districts, have been asked to be present at the midnight mass on Christmas.

Earlier, six cases of incidents concerning churches were reported in December 2014 and January-February 2015. After this, the Delhi police took several steps to ensure security and safety of the churches in Delhi. There are 240 churches in Delhi.

Out of this, more than 161 churches have installed CCTV cameras. The concerned DCPs and the police station staff have been directed to make surprise visits to the churches, said the sources.

The measures also include PCR van, emergency response vehicle, and motorcycle patrols around the churches for enhanced security. At all the vulnerable locations, static deployment of policemen during night has been arranged.