India to get an exclusive tourist police, soon!
There might soon be a tourist police in India, catering exclusively to visitors to the country and ensuring their safety. If approved, they will be placed at airports, railway stations and bus depots and tourist spots. Adding to this proposal, the concerned study by the Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management recommends such personnel should wear the 'Incredible India' logos on their uniforms.
Report: Tourist police can bring crime down by 70%
The IITM report identified cheating, theft and sexual assault as the most common crimes against tourists. If tourist police is efficiently implemented, crimes against visitors can go down by up to 70%, it said. The force will be under the control of the state government. The study said the tourism ministry might help states with funds to introduce and maintain the scheme.
Delhi topped list in crimes against tourists in 2016
The government began recording crimes against tourists only in 2014. Last year, 384 crimes were registered in this category, with Delhi topping the list (135) and Goa following (66).
Other steps to ensure tourists' safety
Many states, including Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi have already formed Tourist Police teams. A 24x7 helpline was launched that offers emergency assistance in multiple languages, including alerting security in case of crime. According to the government, foreign tourists' footfall has increased consistently since 2011.
