Almost half of these police personnel have been transferred within the respective police station and given new beats. The Sector 17 police station has been most affected by the reshuffle: its staff strength goes up by nearly 25.

UT Inspector-General of Police Kiran Bedi told Newsline that the reshuffle was done to strengthen the beat system. "The objective is to ensure that basic policing is not disturbed whatever arrangements of law and order or VIP security are to be made," she said. "The beat system is the basis of any policing. If it is strong, policing will be on a sound footing." She said that the beat system was not exactly functional earlier.

"But now every beat is being covered," said the police official. Beat officers will meet all persons with criminal records to ensure that they do not repeat the crime. While they will keep track of those arrested, the absentees, who are more likely to be still active in crime, will be traced. The beat policeman will meet three men and three women every day and report to his station house officer. "This is to establish direct contact with the common man. And it will be a cross-check system," added the Inspector General of Police.