Community police officers (CPOs) in the last three years had contributed to reducing crimes against women in the district, said Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil.
After inspecting a guard of honour at the 3rd Community Police Officers' Raising Day celebrations at the parade ground here on Friday, Mr. Patil said the force had grown to 5,000 members, almost double the number of regular police personnel, from a few hundreds it started with in January 25, 2016 in the district.
He said CPOs had been bridging the gap between the police and the public by clearing misconceptions about the police.
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As regards participation of the youth in the service, he said, “More number of youths are showing interest in becoming CPOs. In fact, 89% of the CPOs are in the age group of 18-35, 8% in the 36-45 group, and just 3% are above 45 years of age.”
Soon, Chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would attend a programme in the district to address CPOs, he said, adding, “We have requested the Chief Minister to provide reservation to CPOs in police recruitments. Already, several CPOs have joined Central forces and the State police department thanks to special coaching given to them at the district police training centre. In the forthcoming election, services of CPOs would be utilised.”
He said CPOs had contributed to reducing crimes, particularly those against women. Services of CPOs had also helped in reducing road accidents and property loss.
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Mr. Patil sought DSPs, Circle-Inspectors and SIs at sub-divisions to monitor work of CPOs and guide them to improve their skills.
CPO project incharge M. Maheswar said despite the tough nature of the voluntary police service, they had contributing 7.6 lakh credit hours in 2018. “Several doctors, lawyers and teachers have been giving feedback on improving the system.” he said.
Senior police personnel from Chittoor, Puttur, Palamaner and Madanapalle were present.