Delhi Police to arm traffic police with pistols: Bassi

New Delhi: A total of 1,000 traffic policemen will be given pistols within next few months, Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi said on Monday.

"We have planned to provide pistols to 1,000 traffic policemen. These officers will be handling the arms within next few months," Bassi said at the Delhi Police`s annual press conference.

Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic) Sharad Aggarwal told IANS that the pistols will be distributed among all the traffic officers ranging from the rank of constable, assistant sub-inspector and sub-inspector.

Bassi said the initiative was being taken to "strengthen" police armoury which is needed during any "terror strike" situation.

"Our aim is also to make the traffic cops capable while tackling any unprecedented situation," Bassi said.

The city is manned by about 5,500 traffic policemen.