SKILFUL DRIVE: Police personnel staging an impressive show at the valedictory of the All India Police Duty Meet in Chennai on Thursday. — Photo: R. Ragu

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CHENNAI: The 50th All India Police Duty Meet ended here on Thursday with Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi emphasising that the "rate of detection and punishment of offenders, protection of life and property, preservation of public tranquillity and absence of crime alone will prove whether the efforts of the police have been successful or not."

Presenting prizes to the winners, Mr. Karunanidhi said his Government was aware that only a contented and an efficient police force would be able to maintain law and order. That was why during his Chief Ministership, police commissions were appointed and their recommendations implemented.

`Difficulties understood'

Mr.Karunanidhi said he had been viewing the police from different angles — as a common man, as an Opposition party member and as Chief Minister in-charge of the Home portfolio. As Chief Minister he understood their difficulties. After taking over as Chief Minister this year, his focus was on improving the welfare and morale of the department.

With a view to strengthening the hands of the police, the Government had been enacting innovative legislation. The economic and social development of a State depended largely upon the efficiency of the police in maintaining peace. "The primary object of an efficient police is prevention of crime." Competitions held during duty meets would improve the police's skills.

Prizes for medal winners

Complimenting the Tamil Nadu team, which won the highest number of medals — eight gold, seven silver and three bronze — he announced prizes of Rs.50,000, Rs.30,000 and Rs.20,000 to gold, silver and bronze medal winners. Amidst applause and cheer, he also said that the 1088 police personnel, who participated in the cultural programme, would each be given a prize of Rs.1,000.

The Chief Minister also gave away the Prime Minister's police medals for saving lives to six policemen — two each from Andhra Pradesh police and CRPF and one each from Maharashtra Police and Tamil Nadu Police.

Director-General of Police D.Mukherjee said for the successful functioning of the police, periodical upgradation of skills of police personnel was necessary. Inspector-General of Police (Crime) and meet organising secretary, K.Thukkaiandi, was among those who spoke.

An impressive display of skills by motorcycle riders and a `torch tattoo' by women police personnel were the highlights of the cultural programme.

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