Coimbatore Police, Colleges Join Hands to Curb Student Crime
In the wake of a rise in crimes involving college students, including a recent murder at Othakalamandapam, the Coimbatore City and District (Rural) Police convened a consultative meeting with administrators of colleges in the region on Friday. The objective was to discuss measures to curb crimes among students and improve safety on campuses.
The meeting saw participation from 231 representatives of 128 colleges across the city and district. Discussions centred on strengthening campus security, maintaining student discipline, and addressing issues such as substance abuse, online gambling, cybercrime, and socially deviant behaviour among students.
A key proposal discussed was the launch of a campus safety and crime prevention initiative, to be undertaken jointly by the police and heads of institutions. Colleges were instructed to set up dedicated cyber units or social media units to monitor the online activities of their students. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioners of Police and the Superintendent of Police will hold a meeting with institutions in the first week of every month, during which specific information related to crimes involving students can be shared.
College managements have been instructed to ensure that functional CCTV systems with adequate recording backup are installed in all hostels. Institutions were asked to strictly regulate entry and exit gates and maintain registers for latecomers. They were also directed to deploy flying squads to conduct checks on students living in private paying guest accommodations or rented houses, with the aim of spotting early warning signs such as absenteeism or behavioural changes.
The meeting emphasised early intervention and holistic student support. Colleges were advised to provide psychological counselling services and implement a faculty mentorship system in which teachers guide designated student groups. Institutions were also urged to keep parents regularly updated on the academic performance and conduct of their children.
The meeting was attended by Coimbatore City Police Commissioner N. Kannan, Inspector General of Police (West Zone) R. V. Ramya Bharathi, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Coimbatore Range) P. Saminathan, Coimbatore District Superintendent of Police A. Pavan Kumar Reddy, the Deputy Commissioners of Police for Coimbatore North and South, and Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education N. Shenbagalakshmi.
The collaborative approach between law enforcement and educational institutions is seen as a proactive step towards ensuring a safer environment for students. By focusing on both preventive and interventionist measures, the initiative aims to address the root causes of deviant behaviour and foster a culture of responsibility and well-being on campuses.
