By adbnu564 
In a significant move aimed at enhancing security in Mumbai, the city’s police force has announced the establishment of a new Intelligence Wing, with IPS officer Arti Singh appointed as the head. This marks a crucial step in strengthening the city’s preparedness against evolving security threats.
Arti Singh, a 2006 batch IPS officer, will take on the role of Joint Commissioner of Police (Intelligence). This newly created position is designed to streamline intelligence gathering and bolster the city’s ability to respond to potential threats, including sleeper cells and terrorist sympathizers. Singh’s appointment is part of the Mumbai Police’s ongoing efforts to improve coordination and intelligence processing in the face of rising security challenges.
Revamping Mumbai Police’s Intelligence Structure
Mumbai, often considered the financial capital of India, has long been a target for various security threats, including multiple terror attacks over the years. Experts have often pointed out that many of these incidents might have been prevented if better intelligence systems had been in place. The new post of Joint Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) aims to address this gap.
As part of the police organizational restructuring, Singh will report directly to the Commissioner of Police, a move that is expected to bring more efficiency and quicker responses to security threats. The Joint Commissioner (Intelligence) will oversee the collection and analysis of intelligence, with a particular focus on tracking sleeper cells and high-risk individuals.
Mumbai’s police force already has the Special Branch, responsible for monitoring developments in the city and collecting intelligence. However, the new system introduces a direct line of communication between the Special Branch and the newly formed Intelligence Wing. In this new arrangement, the Joint Commissioner of the Special Branch will now report to Singh, a shift from the previous system where the Additional Commissioner (Special Branch) reported to the Joint Commissioner (Law and Order).
A Key Step in Enhancing Mumbai’s Security Framework
The creation of this new post comes as part of a broader plan to improve real-time intelligence processing and remove bottlenecks that have historically slowed down the city’s ability to respond to threats. With illegal infiltrators often targeting the city, Mumbai Police is aiming to reduce delays in processing and act on intelligence faster. This new structure will help in more effective surveillance and tracking of potential security risks.
The state government’s Home Department, which issued the order for the creation of the position, emphasized the need for a robust intelligence structure, particularly in Mumbai, which houses several critical installations and a large number of high-profile VIPs who are at heightened risk.
Experts believe the new post will help bridge gaps in intelligence sharing and enhance the Mumbai Police’s capacity to counter emerging threats. The dedicated Intelligence Wing will enable quicker action and more focused oversight, allowing police to stay ahead of potential security challenges.
A Major Overhaul Following Recent Leadership Changes
Singh’s appointment follows the recent reshuffling of top officers, including the appointment of Deven Bharti as the new Commissioner of Police for Mumbai. The structural changes reflect a renewed commitment to modernizing the Mumbai Police and equipping it to handle new-age threats. With the lack of a structured intelligence unit in the past, this overhaul is seen as a necessary evolution for a city that faces constant security challenges.
The creation of the Joint Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) post is a clear acknowledgment of the increasing complexity of modern-day policing and the need for specialized units to tackle specific areas of concern. As Mumbai continues to grow and evolve, its police force is adapting to ensure it remains prepared for the challenges of the future.