Mapping crime hotspots to learning lessons in policing, gains aplenty in 9 months of Delhi Police’s ‘Shishtachar’ drive

Nine months into the ‘Shishtachar’ (discipline/etiquette) drive, Delhi Police officers say the squads have offered more than an on-ground deterrence against harassment of women in public spaces. The steady presence of these teams on the streets, the officers claim, has revealed patterns of everyday misconduct, helped map pockets where offenders gather, enhanced visibility among women, and strengthened the feedback loop, which in turn has improved policing of such offences. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer Delhi) Sachin Sharma said the squads have detained 2,885 offenders over the past nine months and recorded a 45% decline in crimes against women, including cases of rape, molestation and harassment. “Overall, such cases have fallen sharply from 302 in 2024 to 165 in 2025 (till December 10),” he said. DCP (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar reported similar numbers. “In nine months, we have detained over 2,500 offenders under various sections. The help and perspective we have received through the initiative has improved our approach. We have decided to introduce these squads to each police station in our district,” he said.