It is gratifying to note that Tamil Nadu, along with Maharashtra, has the most number of women in the police force (“Women in the police,” March 8). But I don’t think they are real agents of change. In most cases, they are posted for secondary duties.
In my town, women police are mostly engaged in regulating traffic. They do not have even communication devices with which they can report any trespass or violation to the higher-ups. Women police can make a difference only when they occupy all levels and the concept of exclusive women police becomes popular.
E. Rajakumar Arulanandham,
Palayamkottai
Women and men are almost equal in number. Why, then, should women comprise only 33 per cent of the constabulary? They should, in fact, be given preference over men in police recruitments. The chances of wrong-doings will decline substantially.
K.P. Sanal Kumar,
Chennai
Women should break the convention and take up jobs that are considered masculine. Police, politics, and entrepreneurship are some fields which reflect the power distribution between men and women.
The figures of women in the police force, as tabled in Parliament, are appalling. There is an urgent need to promote gender balance in all such roles with special emphasis on tackling sexist attitudes.
Kranthi Nanduri,
Hyderabad
As a first step, women in rural areas should be made aware of the recruitment procedures. Policewomen should be trained along with policemen. They should be able to deal with critical cases like those pertaining to sexual abuse. Exclusive women police stations in all districts will surely help solve women-related problems better.
Poola Sreedhar Reddy,
Anantapur
