‘For police, gender sensitisation must begin at beginning’

Even as a new "curriculum" to train police recruits is being explored, both former DGP K Subramanyam and present incumbent Sanjeev Dayal, who has also held the post of Mumbai police commissioner earlier, have stressed the relevance of sensitization of the police force to deal with crimes against women better.

In a meeting at the Chief Minister's residence on Monday, a committee to look into rapes as a social issue was said to have been mooted. Another measure said to have been discussed was related to training police recruits on how to handle rape cases.

Speaking to The Indian Express, retired DGP Subramanyam said, "There is no doubt that gender sensitization of the police is an important issue. Both the manner and the time frame of the response of the police to complaints of crimes against women are crucial. There is certainly a need to impart the right training at right after recruitment. The training should involve experts from various fields pertaining to issues of dealing with crime. The idea should be implemented."

When asked about the present level of sensitivity among the city's police personnel, Subramanyam said, "It is not possible to generalize the attitude of police in such matters. There are examples of both proper and improper handling of such cases. It differs from case to case."

Sanjeev Dayal, the Director General of Police (DGP) who was present at the meeting, said, "Sensitization of police personnel is presently done at various levels for constables, police sub-inspectors, etc. It involves issues of how to deal with crimes involving women and children."

The meeting on Monday was also attended by police commissioners from three commissionerates, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane. Home Minister R R Patil, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Amitabh Ranjan attended the meeting.

The meeting on Monday was also attended by police commissioners from three commissionerates, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane. Home Minister R R Patil, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Amitabh Ranjan attended the meeting, which was held in context of widespread protests and public anger across the country after the rape of a 23-year-old woman in a bus in New Delhi.

ALSO READ

Delhi nursing graduate loses eye in acid attack at Bandra station

Worry and anger in Mumbai police after R R Patil snatches right to promote

MNS student wing demands question papers in Marathi

UN rapporteur comes calling, lends an ear to Ishrat's mother