Bengaluru Traffic Police to launch ‘Citizen Cop for a Day’ initiative soon

The Bengaluru Traffic Police is set to introduce an initiative that allows citizens to manage real-time traffic, understand police challenges, and offer new ideas for smoother traffic management.

In a first-of-its-kind move, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) is preparing to launch a ‘Citizen Cop for a Day’ initiative, allowing residents to step into the shoes of traffic police personnel and experience the daily challenges of managing city traffic.

The programme aims to achieve two major goals, to increase public awareness about traffic management and to gather innovative ideas from citizens that can help improve Bengaluru’s traffic system.

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Under this plan, interested citizens will be able to apply online or through designated channels once the initiative is officially launched. The BTP will select participants based on specific criteria that are yet to be finalised. Chosen citizens will first undergo a day of training under on-ground traffic officers during peak hours. The following day, they will be deployed to manage traffic at selected junctions under supervision.

A senior officer from the BTP said that the number of participants will depend on the total applications received and the number of available junctions. Selected individuals will also have the option to choose the date and junction of their preference.

While the blueprint of the programme is ready, finer details, including eligibility criteria, location of junctions, and implementation schedule , are still being worked out.

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Bridging the Gap Between Police and Citizens

According to senior officials, this initiative is not just about managing traffic but also about breaking long-held stereotypes about police personnel. “Many citizens view traffic police as strict or harsh without realising the pressure they work under,” said an official. The initiative, he added, would help citizens understand the realities of the job while spreading awareness about traffic rules.

The BTP also believes that involving citizens will bring in new perspectives to existing challenges. Unlike police officers who follow a routine pattern, citizens may identify overlooked problems or suggest more practical solutions.