Women police officers assumed charge as station house officers for a day on Thursday, the International Women’s Day, in Kerala. Male officers stepped out for the day as women officers heard complaints, disposed of petitions, walked the beat, patrolled neighbourhoods, regulated traffic, managed station records and stood as armed sentries as part of the government’s women empowerment drive.
State Police Chief Loknath Behera visited the Peroorkada police station, which wore a festive look. It was one of the five stations in the city to be manned by women on Thursday.
At the station, complainants were received by civil police officer Kala. Women volunteers of the District Legal Services Authority were also available to hear the grievances of petitioners, especially senior citizens. Among the complainants were many women, young and elderly.
Ammukutty, 80, who has been knocking on several doors for the title deed of a plot where her family has resided for over 70 years, believed that a woman police officer would understand her plight better.
L. Latha, who assumed charge as Station House Officer, remained busy for most part of the day.
Mr. Behera expressed satisfaction at the manner in which women officers conducted police work. He said the force would soon be gender-neutral.
Officers, irrespective of their gender, would share duties and the accolades that come with them. Girl Student Police Cadets and women officers accorded Mr. Behera a guard of honour.
Mass run
Later he inaugurated a self defence training programme for women at KINFRA Park. ADGP B. Sandhya flagged off a mass run from Kowdiar.
There are only eight stations in Kerala where women hold station charge. The government has promised a change in scene, enhancing the strength of women in police force from the current 4% to 15%.
