TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Even as the government has been emphasizing zero tolerance against crimes, particularly on violence against women, the director general of police has asked the men-in-khaki to show their commitment in engaging the public by improving relations with them. He also pushed for zero tolerance against those indulging in illegal activities like drug trafficking and prostitution.
The introductory message on the police quarterly newsletter’s seventh issue has DGP T N Mohan asking the police force to lend a patient ear to the grievances of the common man.
“People visit police stations in distress and need. Every member of the public deserves a patient hearing with courtesy and politeness. The reporting room in the police station has to present a people-friendly face in day-to-day dealings,” the message reads.
This also says that public’s grievances should not be undermined or ignored, which unfortunately has been a practice at certain police stations with the latest example being the Camurlin incident where a woman was subjected to ill-treatment and torture by her neighbours in March. The victim’s complaints against the accused were ignored by the Mapusa police. Herald’s sustained campaign forced the police to register a cognizable offence and arrest the culprits.
The newsletter also talks about the need for sympathetic attitude towards susceptible groups including women. “We need to be sympathetic towards children, senior citizens and women. Goa police has to exhibit zero tolerance as far as crimes against women are concerned. Under no circumstances a complaint from any woman visiting police station should be refused on the issue of jurisdiction,” the DGP said.
“Goa being a favourite tourist place continues to be a soft target for terror outfits. Apart from extra vigil in coastal areas by police, citizens of Goa also need to be vigilant regarding their surroundings,” he advised.
Besides the Camurlin incident, a number of cases involving crime against women were either initially rejected or hushed up by police. In one such case, a police inspector – accused of allegedly raping a woman – is still in service with no disciplinary action against him.
Mohan also highlighted the need to efficiently gather and exchange intelligence, and stepping up professional priorities to keep pace with challenges surfacing in society. Describing resource constraints vis-à-vis professional commitments, the police chief has proposed integrated policing to tackle shortcomings.
“No police force can succeed if the community is kept at bay. We have to seek cooperation from members of public, in day-to-day policing,” he said.
