Thursday, May 20, 2021

Strong Together

 Strong Together

From: https://www.janaagraha.org/community-policing/

We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”
– J.K. Rowling

This quote vividly describes the past and present of people living in India. 
Viewing back in time, the "Pandavas" in Mahabharata acted as the five fingers of a hand, forming a fist to defeat the evil "Kauravas" and the fight for freedom we fought together to earn back ourselves a life of self esteem and dignity, sets up great examples to describe the quote.

Likewise, the Indian police is fighting a war against the crime in the society, to effectively deter their occurrence. But let alone the police is not the sole responsible institution for the prevention of crimes and providing a crime free and peaceful environment to the society. It is the responsibility of each citizen to cooperate and help the police in maintaining a society where the youth can prosper and old people feel safe.
 
Community policing is such an initiative which allows the community to be a part of a greater cause. It is a collaboration between the police and the community to identify and solve the community problems. Now, with police not being the sole keeper of law and order, the whole community act as active allies to maintain a safer society. It is a very common term used and practiced in the western countries, but still is in its developing stage in India. 

India being a colonized country in the past has left a scar in people's hearts against the police. Indians have a fear of police, rather than going to police in case of any emergency they prefer avoiding them. Reinvention of the community and police relationship can play a key factor to deter crime and create a more vital neighborhood. Trust is the value that plays a vital role for this association, and has helped to build and strengthen it. India has now taken a few steps towards this syndicate of police and community which has displayed fruitful results. 

Some of the examples of these successful initiatives in India are:
  • Tamil Nadu: Coimbatore and Trichy, two cities in India had high crime rates before implementation of the "Friends of Police" program. Introduction of this program had brought a considerable amount of improvement in the condition.
  • Assam: "Neighborhood watch scheme" and "AASWAS" are two such programs introduced in Assam that helped the police to improve their image and combat violence & insurgency respectively.
  • Andhra Pradesh: Introduction of "Maitri" scheme in AP increased public's confidence in police with respect to maintaining peace and order in society. It helped to teach people how to police themselves and their surrounding.
  • Delhi: A number of community policing programs were introduced in the city like "Special Police Officers", "Neighborhood Watch Scheme" and "Neighborhood Watch Committee" to keep the crime rate at bay with the help of community.
  • Maharashtra: "Mohalla" is such scheme introduced and has now become an integral part of the community. The Mohalla committee helps the police to maintain law and order in the society and prevent crimes.

Many more such initiatives should be started in different regions of India which will help the police to prevent crime at its initial stage, additionally improving their image in the society. 

At the end of the day, we should consider police as our friend as they are humans protecting the society and working day and night for our safety. Helping and communicating with them will not only help the police or the person concerned, but will also help to improve our surroundings. As it is said earlier, we are as strong as we are united, so stay STRONG TOGETHER



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