Ludhiana, March 31 -- With a focus on improving public safety, tackling drug abuse, and streamlining internal systems, Ludhiana's new commissioner of police, Swapan Sharma, has laid out a clear road map for policing in the city. A 2009-batch IPS officer, Sharma has succeeded Kuldeep Singh Chahal to become Ludhiana's 24th police commissioner.

Having assumed charge on Saturday evening, Sharma wasted no time and convened a high-level meeting with senior officers of the commissionerate by Sunday afternoon. While addressing media persons, he outlined five key priorities for his tenure, promising a proactive and accountable police force.

Sharma said his top priority is controlling petty and street crimes to ensure citizens feel safe in public...