SIs to head 419 stations; third-degree torture and custodial deaths will be eliminated, says Chennithala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Starting from the 15th of this month, Sub-Inspectors (SIs) will regain charge of 419 police stations. The Inspector SHO system will continue in 64 major stations. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stated in a press conference that women SIs will serve as SHOs in 63 stations.

Due to its strategic importance, the Mullaperiyar Police Station will continue to be headed by an Inspector. The government will also create 200 police circles, each headed by an Inspector, to supervise police stations. This marks a change from the previous government's decision to appoint Inspectors as SHOs in all police stations. The government expects the return of younger Sub-Inspectors as SHOs to improve the force's efficiency and decision-making.

The new SHOs will undergo operational training. Chennithala said officers from the rank of Inspector and above are supervisory officers and should maintain good relations with both the public and police personnel. He also stressed the need to prevent unnecessary workplace pressure that could lead to incidents such as suicides. The minister said police personnel should keep pace with technological changes and strengthen their ability to deal with cyber fraud, including scams involving loan apps.

'My Police Station' project

The government will also launch the 'My Police Station' initiative to improve the functioning and public image of police stations. The ADGP (Law and Order) will serve as the coordinator of the project.

The initiative aims to provide better and timely services while treating everyone visiting police stations with dignity. It also seeks to improve public satisfaction, strengthen community policing and make people feel that police stations belong to the public as well. Chennithala said the government is committed to completely eliminating custodial deaths and custodial torture.

Janamaithri policing to be revamped

The Janamaithri Police programme, which has been in place for 20 years, will also be revamped to make it more effective. Range Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) will collect public feedback on the functioning of police stations. The Director General of Police (DGP) will review the feedback every month, and a monthly progress report will be submitted to the government.