The State police have deployed women officers on the beat in panchayats to detect and report crimes against women and children.
State police chief Loknath Behera has ordered them to organise hearings every week to receive complaints from the public. He suggested that the respective panchayat officer attend the meetings planned for 10.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Tuesday. At no point should the hearings be a stage for extrajudicial settlement of financial disputes.
The aim is to deter physical violence, psychological abuse and gender discrimination against women. The officers walking the beat should closely interact with residents. They are to keep an ear out for reports of domestic abuse and sexual harassment in public places.
They should notify the station house officer if they stumble upon instances of violence against women or children. They should report the offence and recommend the registration of a case, if need be.
Mr. Behera has asked the beat officers to be very supportive of the victims. The officers should be bound to protect the victims from aggression or shaming at home or in public.
The beat officers could seek the help of police-accredited counsellors to advise victims of their legal rights and the recourses open for redressing their grievances.
Beat officers should pay particular attention to schools in their jurisdiction. They should interact with teachers and parents. The officers should organise self-defence classes for women.