NEW DELHI, 17 March (H.S.) : Delhi Police is set to implement anti-eve-teasing or courtesy squads in every district. Each district will feature a team of 15 trained personnel tasked with crime prevention. Although various initiatives have been undertaken to improve women's safety in the capital, the results have been disappointing. The newly proposed squads will not only respond to incidents of harassment but will also emphasize proactive strategies and resolution efforts.
The official memorandum stated that the District Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCSP) is tasked with identifying hotspots and areas of vulnerability that may threaten women's safety. The District DCP is required to share the list of these identified locations with the DCP of the Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC). Additionally, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for the Crime Against Women (CAW) units will prepare the deployment schedule, which must receive weekly approval from the DCP of SPUWAC.
A systematic patrol should be conducted in high-risk areas, with operations occurring at a minimum of two vulnerable locations each day, which should also include unannounced inspections of public transportation. The teams are expected to navigate these locations methodically, guaranteeing thorough oversight of all such areas within their jurisdiction over time. Additionally, female police officers in plainclothes will be assigned to identify and apprehend offenders.
The proposal advocates for collaboration with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Welfare Associations (MWAs), and local volunteers to improve vigilance and pinpoint additional vulnerable areas. The squads will prioritize the safety of victims while safeguarding them from public judgment. District DCSPs should ensure that the personnel in these squads demonstrate sensitivity and empathy. The circular emphasizes that the squad's primary objective should be to uphold the law, rather than to impose personal or cultural values on individuals.
Hindusthan Samachar / Meenakshi Bhattacharya
