Mangaluru: The Police Department held the launching ceremony of the Helpline Centre for Senior Citizens, Women and Children at the SP Office here, on April 27.
The helpline centre was launched by the superintendent of police, Dr Sharanappa.
Addressing the gathering, SP Sharanappa said that the helpline centre will help the women and senior citizens to express their grievances. “The helpline will also provide transport facility to file their complaints in other departments. The police department has given importance to the safety of the people in the society. The department will coordinate with various departments from the public sector and NGOs to bring about a comprehensive solution to solve the problems of the people.”
He further talked about community policing and how it promotes organizational strategies, which support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques, to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime. He said that it is important for the police to build ties and work closely with members of the communities, social welfare groups, etc. to stop preventable crimes.
When asked on the statistics of rape cases reported in Mangaluru compared to other districts in the state, he said that 26 rape cases were registered in DK in 2013 while the number increased to 42 cases during 2014. “The increase was due to the change in the definition of rape. Most of these cases are related to love affairs.” He also said that the department has started Social Media Monitoring as part of their regular surveillance to bring such crimes under control.
When asked if there were plans to start a police training school in Mangaluru, he said that it would not be possible since Mangaluru did not have the required infrastructure or professionals to train candidates. He also remarked on the changes in the working of the police department, on how the level of professionalism has been increasing continuously since the last few years, and on how the department has been held in a negative opinion by the public. “The efficiency of the department suffers because there are very few local candidates. Out of the 85 candidates recruited last time, 60 of them were not locals. Hearsay evidence is not accepted in the court of law, but the Police Department has been affected by hearsay opinions. Many people make comments on the working of the police department, but only those who have worked in the system realize the complexity of the department.”
Indeed A VERY GOOD MOVE. Mr. Shranappa, I.P.S. is here to provide every possible help where help is indicated. People are aware that Mr. Sharanapa is very highly educated person with Ph.d. to his credit. He is a NO NONSENSE person and has already given wonderful account of himself as an honest – hardworking and effective officer.
Mangalore is fortunate to his services.