On top cop’s mind — Crime-free city tag for Chandigarh

Simple and unassuming, Dr Sagar Preet Hooda, the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Chandigarh, talks less and crafts his words carefully. His simplicity is disarming. His words, amply supported by his body language, barely give out that these are coming from one who heads the Chandigarh Police.

Exuding confidence, a Panjab University alumnus, Dr Hooda, who will turn 56 on August 30, has his vision clear and task cut out. And he conveys in no ambiguous terms that he means business. A crime-free city is what he has in his mind.

After taking charge, he has sized up things, detected what ails Chandigarh Police, found the solution and all that needs to be done to put the police force of Punjab and Haryana’s joint capital city in the right trajectory.

Hailing from a small village of Jindran in Rohtak district of Haryana, he had joined the police services as an IPS officer in 1997 in the AGMUT cadre. Having many accolades to his credit in his professional and educational journey across various fields, Dr Hooda was Special Commissioner of Police, Law & Order, Intelligence, Perception Management and Media Cell of Delhi Police before joining as the DGP of the UT, from where he began his career as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, the new Chandigarh DGP answered a wide range of questions with a resolve to a safer and more secure community. Excerpts:

What will be your priorities as DGP of Chandigarh?

Drawing on my experience as the Special Commissioner of Police for Law & Order, Intelligence, Perception Management and the Media Cell in the Delhi Police, I am committed to prioritising key areas to enhance public safety and security. My focus will be on implementing new legislation, strengthening intelligence-led crime prevention strategies, and cracking cases. Additionally, I aim to expand community engagement initiatives and leverage advanced smart policing technologies to improve law and order. Streamlining the public grievance redress system is another priority, along with initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare and working conditions of our staff. I will be particularly dedicated to improving safety frameworks for women, senior citizens and children, as well as elevating cyber surveillance to proactively address emerging threats. These initiatives will collectively contribute to a safer, more secure community.

What challenges do you foresee in Chandigarh?

Like other major cities, Chandigarh faces significant challenges such as cybercrime, drug abuse, property crime, traffic management and youth disillusionment — often highlighted by the migration trend. My previous achievements across various domains of policing have equipped me to address these issues proactively. I plan to utilise inter-agency coordination and launch public awareness campaigns, similar to those initiated by the Haryana Professionals Forum, to combat these challenges.

How do you feel about returning as DGP after almost three decades, having served here as ASP?

I did PhD and MA in Sociology from Panjab University and commenced my service as an ASP in Chandigarh in 1997. Returning here is both nostalgic and significant. This marks a full circle moment that is deeply personal, as the city played a crucial role in shaping my early professional values. I am now armed with enhanced global perspectives gained from the Harvard Mason Fellowship, specialised training in public finance from Duke University and leadership development at the London School of Economics. Equipped with these insights, I am committed to upholding law and order in the UT.

How do you compare Chandigarh with Delhi in terms of crime, law and order, residents, and the police force?

Delhi, as a sprawling metropolis, presents intricate law and order challenges on a large scale. In contrast, Chandigarh benefits from its well-planned civic infrastructure and a high police-to-population ratio, which significantly contributes to its effective governance. The residents of Chandigarh exhibit strong civic responsibility and actively engage with policing initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment. The Chandigarh Police force, though smaller, is agile and community-focused, reflecting my approach in

Delhi while benefiting from public collaboration.

What are challenges in policing with Chandigarh being the capital of Punjab and Haryana?

Its dual-capital status offers a strategic advantage by facilitating enhanced interstate cooperation and resource sharing. However, it also poses challenges in harmonising protocols across different jurisdictions. My extensive experience in policing across various levels and domains in the national capital has honed my ability to manage such complex issues effectively.

Having grown up, studied and served in Chandigarh, how has the city evolved over the years?

Chandigarh, a meticulously planned city, is advancing rapidly — economically, technologically and culturally. While preserving its hallmark discipline, cleanliness and greenery, the city has developed a thriving digital ecosystem. This evolution has led to increased traffic and cybercrime, yet it has also fostered a more informed and proactive citizenry. This dynamic aligns well with my initiatives focused on mobilising youth and professionals through citizen-driven campaigns.

Your memories of first posting in the city?

My assignment as ASP during the late ’90s was pivotal in shaping my career. Engaging in sector patrols, resolving cases first hand and mentoring junior officers instilled in me fundamental policing principles such as patience, precision and the critical importance of public trust. These formative years ignited my passion for intelligent and empathetic leadership, which guided me throughout my subsequent roles.

Is this a homecoming or just another posting?

It is truly a homecoming. It is much more than just another posting; it marks a return to the community that has profoundly influenced me, both personally and professionally. Despite decades of service in Delhi and academic pursuits at international institutions, Chandigarh has remained my anchor. I deeply cherish the enriching memories and experiences I’ve had here.

What is your vision for Chandigarh and its police?

I envision the Chandigarh Police as an inclusive, disciplined and future-ready force that consistently earns public trust and support. My initiatives will focus on large-scale volunteer mobilisation, engaging professionals to mentor youth and deter crime. By fostering collaboration among the community and all ranks of the police force, our collective goal will be to transform Chandigarh into a crime-free city.