In a significant move aimed at strengthening the safety of accused persons in police custody (PC) and preventing untoward incidents, the Mumbai Police has introduced a mandatory uniform for all inmates lodged in general lockups across the city.
Under the new directive, every accused person in police lockups will now be required to wear a standardised outfit. At the Sion lockup, inmates in police custody are being provided with maroon-coloured T-shirts and shorts. The accused will have to wear this uniform from the time of arrest until they are either sent to magisterial custody (MCR) or released on bail.
According to police sources, the initiative has been implemented primarily to ensure the safety of detainees. In recent times, there have been instances where accused persons attempted or committed suicide in custody using their own clothing items such as shirts, trousers, drawstrings, or belts.
To curb such incidents and enable better monitoring, the police have made it mandatory for inmates to wear uniforms made of ‘safe fabric’.
“Accused persons often take extreme steps due to depression. This standardised and safety-designed attire will help in preventing such incidents,” a senior police officer said on condition of anonymity.
Typically, individuals arrested by police are initially held at local police stations and later shifted to general lockups if required. The new rule is now being strictly implemented across all such facilities in Mumbai.
Officials believe that the decision will not only improve discipline within lockups but also make it easier to identify accused persons in custody.