“The police is the public and the public is the police.”
These insightful words by Robert Peel, a former Prime Minister of the U.K., form the basis for what is today known as community policing. Simply put, this is the active partnership between the police and local communities to maintain law and order, and prevent crime. Most people consciously stay away from the police, and seek them out only if a crime is committed or under trying circumstances. But here is an example of the police and public coming together to form one force.
Janamaithri Suraksha Project, Kerala
Perhaps, one of the more well-structured and successful implementations of community policing is in Kerala where in March 2008, the Kerala Police began the Janamaithri Suraksha Project in one police station. It was considered such a success that by 2013, the initiative was adopted by over 248 police stations in the state.
Dr B. Sandhya, IPS and nodal officer of Janamaithri, has overseen its implementation in the state. She says, “Experience shows that by seeking the active co-operation of the public in the performance of police duties, the process of law enforcement becomes far more effective.” This programme was also included in the Kerala Police Act to ensure that a change in government would not affect its functioning.
As a part of the programme, Janamaithri police stations are set up in particular residential areas. Specially appointed beat officers are assigned a certain area or beat for which they are responsible. A Janamaithri Suraksha Samithi made up of 20 members is formed and is representative of the entire community. Regular meetings are held between police personnel and local residents in each beat, as well at the police stations. A few locals and the police are extensively trained to work together in crime prevention and control.
Apart from preventing crimes in local communities, one of the greatest achievements of the programme has been the growing trust between the police and public. “We have been successful in making the community own the project”, says Dr Sandhya. “This concept has to come slowly into our country. It will solve internal security problems and create mutual trust between the police and the public.”
Sources:
1. Building Bridges: Experiments With Community Policing in South Asia (2011), Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative.
2. Janamaithri Almanac-2013, Kerala Police.