Women’s Safety: Telangana cops mandate ID checks, special training for hotels' staff

Hyderabad: With steps such as ID verification and special training for staffers, the Telangana Police has listed six initiatives for women’s safety that are to be strictly followed by the hotel industry.

The Director General of Police, IPS Shikha Goel, met with representatives from leading hotel aggregators on Monday and issued a directive outlining these six key points:

1. ID verification and check-in procedures

Hotels agreed to enforce strict ID verification for all guests. Original ID cards will be mandatory for check-in, and the entry register format will be standardized across all properties under each franchise. This measure aims to ensure consistent documentation and prevent illegal activities.

2. CCTV surveillance

The aggregators committed to extending the backup storage of CCTV footage from the current 30-60 days to a minimum of 90 days. Weekly or fortnightly audits will be conducted to ensure all cameras are functional, thereby enhancing surveillance capabilities.

3. Emergency protocols

Emergency contact numbers, such as Dial 100, will be prominently displayed in all hotel rooms, receptions, and visitor areas. Stickers and posters with safety measures will be provided by the Women Safety Wing to further reinforce these protocols.

4. Staff training and verification

Regular training on guest policies, particularly concerning the safety and security of women guests, will be provided to hotel staff. Additionally, hotel aggregators will implement an antecedent verification mechanism for all staff to ensure their credibility and trustworthiness.

5. Safety measures for women guests

Hotels are encouraged to provide amenities specifically aimed at enhancing the safety of women guests. Furthermore, any illegal activities or suspicious behaviour observed within hotel premises must be reported immediately to the police.

6. Digital safety measures

To promote vigilance among guests, a pop-up message containing emergency contact details will be included in booking confirmation emails and SMS notifications. This digital initiative serves as a reminder for guests to stay aware and know how to seek help in emergencies.

The meeting, convened by DGP Shikha Goel, was attended by key representatives from OYO, Treebo, and Fab Hotels. Additionally, patrons of these hotels, as well as nodal officers and anti-human trafficking unit officers from the Tri-Commissionerate, were present.

Shikha Goel emphasised the importance of these protocols in maintaining a safe environment for all guests, particularly women and children.

“The safety of our citizens, especially women, is a top priority. We expect full cooperation from hotel aggregators to implement and monitor these protocols effectively,” she stated.

The Women Safety Wing will continue to collaborate with hotel aggregators to assess the effectiveness of these measures and make necessary adjustments in coordination with local police officers. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Telangana Police to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.