Date:30/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/30/stories/2008113060570300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

City police chief concedes hoteliers’ plea

Staff Reporter

Training of security guards

CP advises installation of security cameras
Vehicle check with hand-held mirrors mooted

VIJAYAWADA: The city police will soon conduct a training programme for the security personnel working in different hotels in the city. How to frisk guests and other visitors, check their baggage and detect any explosive material will be taught to the security guards.

In the wake of terror attacks on hotels in Mumbai, hoteliers in the city under the banner of Vijayawada Hotel Owners’ Association reviewed the security scenario in their establishments and found that there was no adequate manpower and infrastructure available with them to tackle a similar situation.

They met Police Commissioner K.V. Rajendranath Reddy and submitted a memorandum seeking support of the police to beef up security on their premises. Mr. Reddy agreed to provide special training to the security staff of various hotels. He also advised hotel owners to procure necessary equipment, including scanners and metal detectors.

Mr. Reddy also suggested installation of cameras and posting of security guards outside the compound wall of hotels to record and monitor the movement of people. He wanted the hoteliers to ensure that the vehicles entering their premises were checked with hand-held mirrors and other sophisticated equipment much before they entered the hotel. The baggage of guests must also be checked with scanners outside the door.

Useful suggestion

Another suggestion made by the Commissioner was using a computer with photographs of hotel staff, which could automatically scan people entering the hotel. This would ensure that even a new security person would automatically know who was a hotel staffer and who was not.

Association president K. Prakasam and secretary K. Pattabhi Ram told The Hindu that the Police Commissioner had responded very positively to their appeal for training of the security personnel. “He advised us to buy equipment, which is a little costlier and not within the reach of all hoteliers. We have decided to discuss the issue in our meeting and take a final decision. We’ll, meanwhile, make arrangements for the training programme,” they said.