The community policing launched by the Chittoor district police on January 25 could see the enrolment of as many as 4,500 volunteers, termed as Community Police Officers (CPOs), within five months. Thanks to the overwhelming response from various sections of the public, including doctors, lawyers, engineers and students of various streams, the district police are confident of bringing down the crime rate to zero level by year-end.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crime and In-charge of the CPOs), I. Rama Krishna told The Hindu that the community policing system became a big hit in the direction of people-friendly policing. “Now, we are using the services of the CPOs in almost all areas of policing, including crime, traffic regulation, night beats, security duties, road accidents, data entry and operations against red sanders smuggling,” he said.
As part of strengthening the CPO system, all the 4,500 members were given orientation in the first-aid modules during the last five months. “They are also receiving training in all aspects of policing. Young engineering graduates are coming forward to offer their services at the police stations, at the reception and data entry work. Gone were the days when people used to be afraid of coming to police stations. Now, the very motto of the community policing is to create a very healthy and people-friendly atmosphere,” the official said.
During the last three months, the crime rate had drastically come down all over Chittoor and Madanapalle divisions. The involvement of the CPOs in night beats proved highly successful.
“The CPOs identify the locked houses and spots vulnerable to crimes at day time, and during the night vigil, it becomes easier for them to implement effective vigil. The CPOs are given thorough orientation in maintaining friendly relationships with residents of their respective areas,” he said.
‘Traffic problem getting solved’
At various places, including Chittoor, Madanapalle and other urban towns, the traffic problem was slowly getting solved with the CPO system. “They are playing a vital role in detection of possible crimes beforehand, thus helping its early prevention. The presence of women CPOs is of immense help in giving counselling in cases involving domestic violence and issues related to women, particularly in rural areas,” he said.
The DSP said that in recognition of the importance of the CPO module, steps were initiated to give them insurance cover under the State government's ‘Chandranna Beema’ scheme. “If everything goes well, we are confident of bringing down the crime rate in our district to zero-level,” Mr Rama Krishna said.
Meanwhile, Chittoor SP Ghattamaneni Srinivas said that following the success of the CPO system, the number of persons taken for the voluntary policing services would be doubled by year-end.
We are using the services of the CPOs in almost all areas of policing, including crime, traffic regulation, night beats, security duties, road accidents, data entry and operations against red sanders smuggling
Rama Krishna
DSP
