THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: P Prakash, a 2004-IPS batch officer took charge the City Police Commissioner the other day after a short stint as the principal of Police Training College (PTC) at Thycaud in Thiruvananthapuram. For Prakash, who has served as Kochi DCP, Kasargod District police chief, Kollam Rural Superintendent of Police, Thrissur City Police Commissioner, Kollam City Police Commissioner, and Assistant Inspector General of Police at the State Police Headquarters, the new post gives him more responsibility.
For him, there has been no ‘honeymoon’ period and his new post is a continuation of his duties the only difference being that he now has more responsibilities. Though he is yet to get acquainted with the law and order situation here, Prakash is determined to ensure the safety of women and children in the city. He has started working on measures that need to be taken to prevent sexual and domestic abuse of women and children.
“Though there is an effective mechanism in place here like the pink patrol, I will strengthen activities which had been implemented by my predecessors to ensure the city is a safer place for women and children,” Prakash said.
He added that he had asked women employees of VSSC to undergo self-defense training to counter spontaneous attacks during a visit to the center.
He said the efforts will be made to revive mobile applications which had been developed for the safety of women including ‘iSafe’, which was introduced by former commissioner H Venkatesh. Prakash also stressed upon the need for family counselling in order to curb domestic violence.
Policing in the capital
Prakash is also committed to preventing political violence and other feuds which lead to murder and law and order issues. He said an impartial action will be ensured.
“Since the capital city is a fortress of demonstrations, agitations and various kind of protests, my responsibilities here will be greater compared to my previous postings. To counter law and order issues, quick response is needed. Unlike rural areas, policing in the city needs to be more precise.
So, I emphasise upon a professional approach in dealing with such issues,” Prakash added.
Besides his tenure as PTC principal, he had also headed the anti-goon squad as per the directions of the State Police Chief Loknath Behera. Prakash said he has begun preparing a list of anti-socials and goons in the city besides identifying sensitive areas from where more crimes are reported. He added that chain-snatching incidents will also be addressed and KAAPA will be initiated against the culprits.
Prakash also emphasised he will make an effort to prevent inflow of drugs and cyber crimes.
Traffic, a major component
Regarding traffic, Prakash stressed on the need to bring awareness among the public about the need to adhere to traffic rules. “Since VIP movement is much higher in the city, traffic system has to be streamlined. In my present capacity, I hope to implement some effective strategies to bring the traffic situation under control,” Prakash added.
However, he said the support and help from all stakeholders including the city corporation and the district administration are needed for the success of his plans.