JOIN USThe City police have lined up a slew of confidence-building measures to familiarise children with their working.
Speaking at a meeting organised by Mahila Dakshata Samiti and Bengaluru City Police on Saturday, City Police Commissioner M N Reddi announced a “children’s visit day” initiative, whereby children will be able to visit local police stations and interact with officers.
“Every last Saturday of the month will be devoted to children’s visit, where they would spend time in the police stations, talk to constables, be informed on the basics of law and understand that the police are there to check crimes.”
“A circular, in this regard, is being issued today (Saturday). Although I know that these measures are not new and have already been tried, there is, however, the need to bring them back. We want the police to have a more friendly image in the eyes of children,” he said.
On a more candid note, Reddi highlighted how the police had always been an object of fear for children and the interaction of children with the police was a means to change this perception.
Student-police corp
Reddi also announced the setting up of a “Student Police Corp” on the lines of National Cadet Corp to help the police.
“The government has already approved the plan. I have asked Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime), P Harikrishen to look into it. These students will have their own uniform, they will teach other students about civic awareness and be taught about first aid,” he said.
A number of parents and representatives of non-government organisations who attended the meeting highlighted various concerns.
One parent told the commissioner how she tried calling the child helpline number 1098 and even police helpline, 100, with little result. “I tried calling both the numbers more than a 100 times but they do not work,” she said. To this, Reddi said “more helplines other than 1098 will be added.”