TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: On the lines of the Delhi police initiative, Goa police too are planning to introduce special gender sensitization and human rights’ lessons in the basic training syllabus of police recruits. On Wednesday, the State police launched an email ID to accept complaints of violence against women.
The announcement comes following complaints that some policemen are insensitive while dealing with women victims of crime and their approach towards investigation into such cases.
“The subjects will soon be included in the police training school syllabus whereas personnel and officers who are already in service, will undergo separate classes,” Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg said while addressing a gathering on ‘women rights are human rights’ organized by the department in the aftermath of the Uber rape incident, at Goa Reserve Police camp, Altinho on Wednesday.
Experts from NGOs working in the area of women and human rights, and volunteers had been invited to conduct the classes. Garg went on to say that it was time to act. “Just talking won’t do. Our topmost priority should be women safety,” he said.
There had been several recommendations in the past that police be sensitized on gender issues. The police brass had even been told that it was time the force be trained and taught how to talk to women. The proposed classes are expected to change the attitude of the police in a positive way.
The police also launched an email ID womenhelp.goapolice@nic.in wherein aggrieved women can send their complaints. Garg said they will also accept suggestions to further improve policing. “Our people will acknowledge the complaints and take action accordingly. If the officers find that complaints need to be converted into First Information Report, the complainant would be requested to visit the police station. This is because every complaint should have the signature of the complainant,” the senior officer told Herald on conclusion of the seminar. In a bid to strengthen the women police force, it has been announced 300 lady police personnel, including 79 sub inspectors, will be recruited. On December 19, Goa’s Liberation day, women help benches will be launched at every police station in addition to women helpline 1091 which is already functioning.
Women’s safety needs to be ensured: police
PANJIM: Goa Police have conceded that a lot needs to be done to make women feel secure as it expressed extreme sadness over the ghastly rape of a young multinational company employee in Delhi.
Addressing a gathering of over 100 attendees – working in the area of women rights – Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg urged that treating women with respect and ensuring their security should begin from one’s home.
“The incident that occurred in Delhi is depressing. When women are not safe in an international cab service (referring to Uber rape case)…we understand that lot needs to be done for the safety of girls and women. This section of the society also has to be respected, beginning from home,” he said. The department had organized the half-day seminar on ‘women rights are human rights’ in the wake of the gruesome alleged rape of the 25-year-old by a cab driver in Delhi. Garg, in the presence of DIGs K K Vyas and V Ranganathan, also said that domestic violence on women is still prevalent though it has decreased in the recent times.
“Women are tortured even today…domestic violence in the form of physical, mental or emotional violence exists even today and my officers will also agree…” he said, adding, “… the male dominated society still exists, but fortunately the trend is changing with women’s empowerment. Women are not weak anymore.” The police department has announced that it will hold regular workshops on women’s safety either at the district level or each police station.
Verification of taxi drivers
PANJIM: To thwart Uber like rape incident in Goa, the police department will approach the Transport Department to conduct verification of all the taxi operators and clients of rental bikes and cars. “There is no sufficient data and we strongly feel that a list has to be prepared… We will ask the Transport Department that permissions be granted only after verification of the taxi drivers,” he said.
Similarly, the department is expected to release a form for the clients of rental bikes and cars, which will require them to submit their personal details. These would then be sent to the police stations for verification.
