VIJAYAWADA: The Vijayawada police has launched an initiative called ‘Sthree Sakthi’ to provide security to women and girls. Around 70 women constables were selected and imparted training in swimming, car driving, communication skills and self-defense for three months. Also, they have been imparted training to deal with cybercime.
“We formed ‘Sthree Sakthi’ under the supervision of senior officials, to prevent crime against women. The women constables were imparted training to deal with crime against women. The training sessions, started in September, have almost come to an end. It is a matter of time before we can utilise the services of these women constables,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP-Crime) B Raja Kumari said.
The ‘Sthree Sakthi’ constables will be deployed at important junctions. They will scour the city and pick up eve-teasers and trouble-mongers. The list of their duties does not end here.The ‘Sthree Sakthi’ police will be divided into four teams to manage two zones. These cops, in Blue outfit, will patrol the interior parts of residential colonies, slums, schools, colleges, and offices.
During their interactions with women and children of the city, the teams will strive to explain the existing laws to them.They have been provided with Android phones loaded with SOS App. A separate tool kit including a walkie-talkie for communication and body-worn cameras and pen drives, will be provided to every cop.
A separate control room has been set up at AP Tech Towers in Mangalagiri to ensure uninterrupted communication between ‘Sthree Sakthi’ cops and the women in distress. On-duty from 7 am to 9 pm, the nearby ‘Sthree Sakthi’ cop will respond to complaints being received through SOS App or toll-free number 112. The colour of the police uniform has also undergone a change.
The ‘Sthree Sakthi’ cops will don a Blue shirt and khaki trouser since the colour Blue is a symbol of warmth, care and compassion.
When TNIE spoke to the women constables on Wednesday, they exuded confidence in the success of the initiative. “We are happy to be a part of the new initiative launched by the Vijayawada city police. The new colours as well as the equipment have fascinated us. We are anxiously waiting for the wing’s inauguration,” a ‘Sthree Sakthi’ member B Mamatha said.