T’puram: The state govt announced a major restructuring of the state police force on Thursday, with SIs set to take charge as station house officers (SHOs) in most police stations from Aug 15 under a new initiative titled ‘my police station’. Home minister Ramesh Chennithala said the initiative aims to make police stations more citizen-friendly, improve service delivery and eliminate custodial crimes. He said the reforms are intended to ensure that citizens approaching the police receive dignified, timely and efficient services.As part of the restructuring, govt will appoint SIs as SHOs in 419 of the state’s 484 (L&O) stations from Aug 15. The previous govt had designated CIs as SHOs. Chennithala said the decision to entrust young officers, recruited directly as SIs, with greater responsibilities would improve efficiency and decision-making abilities while strengthening policing at the grassroots level.CIs will continue as SHOs in 64 strategic stations. At the Mullaperiyar station, considering its strategic importance, the SHO’s responsibilities will continue to be handled by a deputy SP. Chennithala said one of the most significant aspects of the reform is that women SIs will become SHOs in 63 stations. To supervise and guide the new SHOs, govt will create 200 police circles under the charge of CIs.Chennithala said the key objective of the project is to ensure citizen satisfaction by treating every person visiting a police station with dignity and by providing better, time-bound services. Another aim is the complete elimination of custodial deaths and custodial torture. He said third-degree methods have no place in policing as they are illegal and inhuman. While detecting crime is important, the methods adopted by the police are equally significant, he added.Referring to the growing threat of cybercrime, Chennithala said police would be equipped to deal more effectively with offences such as loan app frauds and other cyber scams. Govt will strengthen Janamaithri Suraksha Project, the state’s community policing programme that has been in place for two decades. Chennithala said the scheme has become largely mechanical over the years and would now be revitalised.An independent feedback mechanism will be introduced as a key component of the project. Range DIGs will collect feedback from every station under their jurisdiction on a monthly basis, review findings and issue necessary directives for improvement.The initiative will be coordinated by the ADGP (law and order) under the supervision of the state police chief. The police chief will submit a monthly progress report on the project to the govt.
