On Monday, Kalaburagi became the first district in the State to trial air-conditioned helmets for its traffic police. At a press briefing, Police Commissioner Sharanappa S. Dhage explained that these innovative helmets not only help officers beat the summer heat but also shield them from dust and pollution.
Alongside the 10 AC helmets being tested, Commissioner Dhage distributed 10 pollution-control masks, 140 reflective safety jackets and 150 marshalling batons to personnel on night patrol. He noted that a single full charge powers the helmets for up to eight hours—ideal for long shifts in heavy traffic and smog-filled air.
“The pilot will involve ten traffic officers,” Dr. Dhage said, “and once we assess its effectiveness, we’ll look to equip more personnel.” He also acknowledged a current shortage of vehicles hampering mobility and assured that the department is working to resolve it at the earliest.
