In an attempt to bring down atrocities against women, the Kochi City police have come up with a ‘Zero Tolerance’ programme for the city.
An official statement of the City Police said that security would be tightened, enabling women to move freely in the city at any point of time. More women shadow police would be deployed as well.
Police personnel, both in uniform and civil dress, would be deployed at parks, tourism places, educational institutions, cinemas, beaches, parking slots and festival sites. Steps would be taken to ensure police patrolling in specified areas.
Police personnel have been appointed to approach homes and educational institutions to record atrocity cases against women. The team has also been empowered to take strict actions against any harassment cases.
Women’s Vigilance Samithis would be set up at all colleges. The activities of the existing units would be strengthened.
Important numbers including that of women’s help line (1091), police (SMS number 9497900000), rail alert (9846200100), highway alert (9846100100), women and children in distress help line (9947000100) and crime stopper (1090) would be displayed at bus stops, junctions and educational institutions.
Complaint boxes have been set up at high schools and higher secondary schools.
Complete privacy of the people who register complaints would be ensured. Chargesheet against the accused would be presented at the court immediately after investigation. If the victims are minors, then strict action would be taken under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and Juvenile Justice Act.
To deal with issues related to atrocities against women, a special police officer has been appointed. Station House Officers (SHOs) have been asked to ensure ease of procedure for victims who give statements.
Vigilance Samithis, the District Nirbhaya Committee and NGOs working for women’s safety would join hands to identify issues that hamper safety.
Awareness campaigns and classes would be undertaken at the school and college levels. Police personnel would be given classes on appropriate behaviour towards women who lodge complaints.
Special police would be deployed to ensure the safety of women on the premises of Infopark, keeping in mind the safety of professionals. Fort Kochi beach and other tourist areas would be brought under strict surveillance.
Sex racket cases would be investigated under the guidance of the Assistant Police Commissioner.
The police have also been asked to ensure that all complaints be resolved within a month’s time. Strict action would be taken against men who occupy seats allotted for women in buses. Women’s Help Line numbers would be displayed in city buses.
Counselling sessions by the Kochi Women’s Cell Circle Inspector would also be held at schools. More women police would be deployed at private bus stands, the KSRTC stand and the Vyttila Mobility Hub.