The Delhi Police has decided to arm the city’s traffic police officers with handguns in the next 10 days to ensure their safety while on duty, PTI reported. The move comes in the wake of increasing attacks on traffic policemen by those who flout traffic rules.

Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik on Sunday said officers above the rank of assistant sub-inspector will be equipped with 9 mm pistols. He made the announcement while interacting with more than 3,000 traffic police officers, who shared the challenges they face on duty with him, the Hindustan Times reported.

Patnaik also advised the police officers to devise strategies to curb traffic violations. Delhi Police Spokesperson Dependra Pathak told the English newspaper that the field officers have been asked to come up with solutions to traffic management, and that their appraisals will depend on the innovative ideas they propose.