The State police’s initiative to ensure better connect between the police force and citizens, particularly children and youngsters, has till date enrolled nearly 1,500 students under the current programme.
Inspector General of Police, Sunil Garg said the department is in the process of launching Phase-II of the programme involving college students. “The volunteers will be called as Young Police/Cop. The strategy to implement this concept will be different as it will comprise of college students,” he told Herald. The Little Police has school and higher secondary students as volunteers.
Garg, the brain behind the programme, said the self-sponsored programme has been receiving good response from educational institutions. He said, “All components of society need to deal with the law and order problems together coordinating and cooperating with each other in a holistic way. The fear psychosis created in the minds of children needs to be removed, which is another motive of this ongoing programme.”
The IGP said volunteers, who are being trained in various aspects such as the functioning of the police, security measures and other aspects, are further creating awareness in their schools and in society. During the lecture sessions, the ‘Young Cops’ are encouraged to report any misconduct or unethical behaviour to the police.
“The volunteers have been given identity cards that contain police helpline numbers. The mobile numbers of the police inspectors are also shared with the volunteers to contact in case of emergency situations,” Garg said. “We also educate them on the traffic rules, etc.”
At a later stage, the department plans to form an autonomous committee to assist Goa police continuing the programme even after reshuffling of officers. “We have created a bank account in the name of the ongoing programme to ensure it does not lack funds. There are many people and organizations coming forward to sponsor the programme,” he said. Uniforms will soon be distributed to volunteers, he added.
