In A first of its kind in the state, the Surat police have deployed women constables to receive calls made to toll-free 100 number in the Police Control Room (PCR).

Normally, male personnel are deployed in the PCR to receive calls. Most of the calls turn out to be worthless. Besides, the use of abusive language by the callers often leaves the policemen stressed. Apparently, many people use the toll-free facility to tease policemen. Though some of the numbers are traced, the pranksters are only detained and let-off with a warning.

Now, 10 women constables have been selected from the various branches in the city to undergo training on how to deal with the callers.

Surat Commissioner of Police Shivanand Jha cited two basic reasons for the appointment of women constables for the task. Firstly, their good voice quality, and secondly, their ability to handle callers better than males. The women constables will work in day shifts, he added.