Kerala launches 'My Police Station' project to make police more citizen-friendly
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday formally launched the 'My Police Station' project at the Peroorkada police station premises in Thiruvananthapuram, a State-level initiative aimed at transforming police stations into accessible and citizen-friendly service centres.
The project seeks to redefine the relationship between the public and the police, making the force a source of support while preserving its deterrent role against crime. Speaking at the launch, the Chief Minister said the programme was intended to create a sense among citizens that the police station belongs to them and that the police would stand by them in times of distress.
Mr. Satheesan highlighted the rapidly changing nature of crime, pointing to the rise of cybercrime, drug-related offences, and technology-driven crimes as fresh challenges. He stressed that the police force must equip itself with modern technology and investigative capabilities to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated criminals.
The Chief Minister also emphasised the need for courteous behaviour towards people visiting police stations. He noted that citizens approach police stations for filing complaints, reporting crimes, and obtaining verification and other services. Women, children, and elderly persons frequently visit stations, and they should be received with dignity and compassion, he said.
Delivering the presidential address, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the project was designed to transform all 484 police stations in the State into more welcoming and citizen-oriented institutions. He said police stations should no longer be viewed as places meant only for criminals or people facing legal trouble. Like village and panchayat offices, they should function as public service centres accessible to all.
The Home Minister announced a series of organisational changes to make the police force more responsive. Sub-Inspectors would be given greater operational responsibilities by being appointed as Station House Officers (SHOs), while Circle Inspectors would take up supervisory roles over selected stations. He noted that as many as 63 police stations would have women serving as SHOs under the proposed changes.
Mr. Chennithala also said senior police officers would be required to visit police stations regularly and submit reports to identify shortcomings and introduce corrective measures. He emphasised that police personnel should respect legal safeguards and Supreme Court directives relating to arrests and custody. With CCTV cameras installed in police stations, including lock-ups, the department must ensure that custodial violence and deaths did not occur, he said.
Health Minister K. Muraleedharan, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh, State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar, Home Secretary Minhaj Alam, Additional Director General of Police and 'My Police Station' nodal officer P. Vijayan, and Police Adviser to Home Minister A. Hemachandran were among those who participated in the programme.
