Some of the instructions listed in the circular include the collection of a detailed information on elderly citizens as well as their neighbours and servants, awareness on the importance of CCTVs and biometric record system in housing socities and special attention to the security of senior citizens who are staying alone.

“Murders of nine senior citizens in the last six months is a very serious issue. We are doing our best to minimise such crimes in the city. Regular meetings with Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) for accountability will also be held to tackle such crimes. I have also sent instructions to all senior police inspectors,” said Sivanandan. He admitted in the circular that the information on senior citizens gathered by the police stations in the city is incomplete.

According to Sivanandan, the monthly reports sent by the zonal deputy commissioners indicate that the data gathering process is being implemented. Senior citizens have been targetted by thieves and other miscreants owing to the lacunae in the process.

The circular has directed all police stations to nominate an officer specifically for undertaking the responsibility of senior citizens’ security. He would be expected to make detailed computerised lists of senior citizens in the station’s jurisdiction and the lists have to be sent to the DCP (Operations) by July 7. Zonal DCPs during their visits to the police stations are expected to review the implementation of the circular, comment on it and take action against personnel, who has not abided by it.

By July 18, the police are expected to collect all the information on the senior citizens’ drivers and servants. They were also asked to collect their photographs and verify their criminal record.

Senior police inspectors of every police station have been directed to conduct meetings with secretaries and presidents of housing societies and advise them to install CCTV cameras and biometric record systems if possible. The CCTVs will keep a tab on persons and vehicles while they enter and leave the premises. Beat marshals are expected to visit the houses of senior citizens in their respective area atleast once a week.

As per the circular, special care should be given to the ‘most vulnerable’ senior citizens who stay alone. Frequent patrolling should be carried out in the area where suspicious elements are hanging around, say the circular. It also directs cops to check status of persons who have criminal record. Senior citizens have been asked to contact helpline numbers—1090 and 103— in case of emergency.