Palarivattom police station was one of the first stations in the State to initiate the Janamaitri scheme that marked a major shift in the concept of community policing.
Today, the station has come under fire for not being efficient. The issue was raised by Ernakulam District Residents' Associations Apex Council (EDRAAC) at its monthly meeting with the top brass of the city police.
“Palarivattom station was a model for the rest of the force by being one of the first stations that launched joint community patrolling with residents, much before the Janamaitri scheme was launched. But now, there are no officers for three of the six beats under the station,” said A. Ajith Kumar, general secretary, EDRAAC.
‘Officers unavailable’
It is alleged that there are no beat officers in Vennala, Anchumana, and Palarivattom central beats. Even in the other beats, the officers are otherwise engaged and not available to deal with residents’ complaints.
Another complaint raised against the station is that it has not issued cards listing the contact numbers of beat officers.
No appointment has been made to the sub-inspector’s post after the last officer was transferred.
An officer from the Town Central Station was assigned there on deputation.
Crime reported
Local residents complained that incidents of sexual harassment and chain-snatching were reported recently.
The police recently arrested a youth from Chalikkavattom after he was accused of attempting to molest two girls returning from school, but only after residents took out a protest march and made representations to top officials for speedy action. An incident of chain-snatching was also reported near Dhanya Junction in Chalikkavattom, but the suspect is yet to be traced.
‘No extra work’
Countering the allegations, K.G. James, City Police Commissioner, said no such complaint about the Janamaitri scheme was raised.
“Three officers are allotted to stations designated as Janamaitri, which is above the routine strength and they are to take up the community policing work. For any additional assignment that these police stations have, personnel are deputed from Armed Reserve Camps,” he said.
Eight more stations were designated as Janamaitri recently, taking the total number of Janamaitri stations within the city police limits to 14.
