Mangaluru, April 27: The Dakshina Kannada police department has taken an initiative to enhance security and has launched a helpline for women, children and senior citizens at the office of Superintendent of Police (SP) here on Monday April 27th.
SP Dr SD Sharanappa inaugurated the helpline 1098, which is also linked to missing child bureau.
Addressing the reporters, Dr Sharanappa said, this is a comprehensive effort to respond to the problems faced by people and this helpline has been launched in coordination with various departments and NGOs.
He said, people who arrive here to complain can also avail vehicle facility if they want to go to other departments or places in connection to their complaint. Giving significance to community policing, the department has taken various steps after interacting with the public for maintaining peace, harmony and safety of public.
Many workshops have been conducted to enhance professionalism in the Police Department. Station level meetings have also been conducted. Staff from NGOs will be available to answer the helpline calls from 10 am to 5.30 pm daily, informed Sharanappa.
The helpline is located in SP office, will respond to calls round the clock, he said.
About a question on rape cases, he said, in Dakshina Kannada, 26 rape cases were reported during 2013, and in 2014, 42 cases of rape were reported. This hike was mainly due to the change in the definition of rape. About 50 percent of such cases are related to love affairs.
Replying to a query on cyber crime, he said, the cops are monitoring, and it is a part of surveillance. Training to handle cyber crimes is being provided at PSI level.
About the recruitment of police personnel, he said 40 male personnel and 10 women constables have been recruited to Dakshina Kannada police department. Among the 10 recruited women, 9 are locals, and only 7 members are locals among the men. This was due to the reason that locals among the policemen were unwilling to be recruited here.
Dr Sharanappa said, the nature of functioning of the Police Department is transforming. At present, highly qualified candidates are joining the Department; hence we have well qualified staffs.
Even, Superintendent of Police Dr SD Sharanappa is a PhD holder in genetics and plant breeding from Indian Agriculture Research in New Delhi.
