"Police were largely still following British conventions, slave of the hukmarans (rulers) and not the law of the land," said Aseem Arun, who recently took over as the deputy inspector general of police (DIG).

 Aseem said this profile will now change and the police would be seen as a friend of the people. And it will begin with a change in the look.

 "Taj city cops would look like cops shown in foreign films, all harnessed with latest gadgetry and, of course, with polite manners befitting a civilised society," he said.

 The city, which houses the world famous 17th century Taj Mahal, attracts millions of tourists. But it has witnessed a surge in crime, particularly incidents of robbery and snatchings.

 Agra's business community recently met Arun and other top police officers to voice their complaints.

 They said traders and businessmen were being robbed every now and then, the police remain "lazy and indifferent", shield criminals and even threaten those who come forward to lodge a complaint.

 The police chief said he was aware of the problems.

 "The police image will change, but citizens will also have to respond creatively and positively. It will mark the beginning of a new partnership of confidence," Arun said.

 In the first phase of the makeover exercise, 50 constables, five sub-inspectors and one inspector of the Sadar circle - comprising the Sadar, Rakabganj and Taj Ganj police stations - are being trained in techniques of modern policing.

 These areas, surrounding the Taj Mahal, have a large presence of foreign and domestic tourists.

The cops will soon be seen in green jackets, a security belt carrying a pistol and a folding steel rod, a spray gun and a wireless set.

"They are not only being trained in policing duties but also being groomed to behave decently with the public and assist needy citizens in distress," a senior police officer said.

Even their motorbikes are being given a new coat of paint and three dozen new bikes have been added to the fleet.

According to the DIG, the police control room too is being modernised with trained manpower and updated technological support.

All complaints will now be monitored by the deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and each complainant will receive a ticket number and a follow-up record of the case will be maintained.

The tourism industry has long been demanding special policing arrangements around monuments.

"One hopes the arrangements now being made will inspire some degree of confidence in the law and order machinery," said Sandeep Arora, a hotelier and tourism industry leader.

Aseem Arun also had a series of interactive sessions with local citizens groups. The initial results are encouraging.

"A record number of challans and 'move in your lane' principle have worked. Traffic at the Hari Parbat and Sur Sadan crossings is now much better as vehicles are not being allowed to park within 50 metres of the crossing. The police presence in good numbers has helped," says city resident Sudhir Gupta.