Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) In one of the most sweeping reforms of Kerala's policing structure in recent years, the state government on Thursday announced a complete revamp of the functioning of police stations, replacing Circle Inspectors with Sub-Inspectors as Station House Officers (SHOs) in the vast majority of police stations and a citizen-centric policing programme titled 'My Police Station' from Independence Day.
Announcing the reforms, state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala described the initiative as a historic transformation that seeks to make police stations more accessible, accountable and people-friendly while ushering in a new era of democratic policing.
Under the new system, Sub-Inspectors will take charge as SHOs in 419 of Kerala's 484 law and order police stations, reversing the previous government's decision to entrust the responsibility to Circle Inspectors.
Circle Inspectors will continue to head only 64 strategically important police stations, while the Mullaperiyar Police Station will continue to remain under the charge of a Deputy Superintendent of Police because of its strategic importance.
In a major boost to women's leadership in policing, 63 police stations will, for the first time, be headed by women Sub-Inspectors.
The reform also introduces a new supervisory framework under which 200 police circles will be created, with Circle Inspectors monitoring and mentoring the newly appointed SHOs.
The centrepiece of the initiative is a commitment to transform the experience of citizens visiting police stations by ensuring timely, respectful and efficient service.
The government has also made an unequivocal declaration that the new policing model aims to completely eliminate custodial crimes, including custodial deaths and torture, describing third-degree methods as illegal, inhuman and unacceptable in a democratic society.
To support the transition, all newly appointed SHOs, police station personnel and supervisory officers will undergo phased orientation training, with special emphasis on public behaviour, leadership and technology-driven policing.
Training will also focus on tackling the growing menace of cybercrime, including loan-app frauds and online financial scams.
The government also plans to revive the two-decade-old Janamaithri Suraksha Project, saying community policing has become largely mechanical over the years.
A key feature of the reform is an independent feedback mechanism, under which Range DIGs will collect and review monthly public feedback from every police station.
The ADGP (Law & Order) will coordinate the project under the supervision of the State Police Chief, who will submit monthly progress reports to the government.
If implemented in letter and spirit, the initiative could mark one of the most significant structural and cultural shifts in Kerala Police, placing greater responsibility on young officers while seeking to rebuild public confidence in police stations as institutions meant to serve citizens rather than intimidate them.
Source: IANS
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