Context:
In the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia (December 14), the Delhi Police has initiated steps to strengthen its counter-terror and crisis-response preparedness. Recognising the challenges posed by active-shooter and terror situations, the police leadership has directed the formulation of comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure swift, coordinated, and accountable responses during crises.
Key Highlights:
Trigger for the SOP Initiative
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The Bondi Beach terror attack served as a wake-up call for global urban policing agencies.
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Delhi Police reviewed its preparedness for high-impact terror and active-shooter scenarios.
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Emphasis placed on learning from international incidents to prevent operational lapses.
Institutional Directions
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Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha directed:
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Special CP (Operations) and
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Special CP (Training)
to jointly draft the SOPs.
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Objective: Rapid transition from chaos to control with minimal confusion.
Scope and Coverage of SOPs
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SOPs will clearly define roles and responsibilities of:
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PCR units
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SWAT teams
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Special Cell
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Crime Branch
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Traffic Police
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Special Branch
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Focus on inter-unit coordination and avoiding duplication of efforts.
Operational Focus Areas
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Command and control hierarchy
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Perimeter security and crowd management
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Clear communication channels between:
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Field units
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Control rooms
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Senior leadership
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Attacker neutralisation and safe evacuation of civilians.
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Post-incident investigation and crime scene preservation.
Training and Capacity Building
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Special CP (Training) tasked with:
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Developing short instructional videos on:
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Crime scene preservation
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Expected response behaviour
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Conducting simulated active-shooter drills
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SOPs to be integrated into:
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Regular training modules
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Field exercises
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Joint drills with paramilitary forces and disaster management agencies.
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Additional Security Measures
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Security enhanced at Israeli and Jewish establishments in Delhi following intelligence inputs.
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Measures taken during the Hanukkah festival (December 14–21) to prevent targeted attacks.
Institutionalisation of SOPs
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Draft SOPs will be:
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Reviewed
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Refined
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Institutionalised
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Ensures clarity, accountability, and uniformity across all units during emergencies.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Urban counter-terror preparedness.
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Trigger Event: Bondi Beach terror attack (Australia).
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Key Terms:
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Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
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Active-shooter scenario
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Agencies Involved:
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Delhi Police
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SWAT
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Special Cell
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Benefits:
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Faster response time
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Improved coordination
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Challenges:
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Multi-agency integration
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Training consistency
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Impact:
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Enhanced internal security readiness in metropolitan areas.
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Security and Governance Dimensions:
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Importance of preparedness-based policing.
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Shift from reactive to proactive counter-terror strategies.
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Institutional Mechanisms:
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SOPs as tools for standardisation and accountability.
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Role of leadership in crisis management.
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Internal Security Concerns:
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Urban centres as soft targets.
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Need for integrated command during terror incidents.
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Way Forward:
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Regular updating of SOPs based on global best practices.
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Technology-enabled communication systems.
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Continuous joint drills and capacity building.
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Public awareness and cooperation mechanisms.
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS Paper III – Internal Security: Counter-terrorism, urban policing, crisis management.
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GS Paper II – Governance: Institutional preparedness, administrative coordination.
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Prelims: SOPs, SWAT, counter-terror terminology.