In a country like ours, the police to population ratio is not just a disparity but much more serious. Maintaining law and order requires public support and participation. Hence community policing could be the solution. Punjab police that tackled a period of violent militancy also has an image to set right in people’s mind and therefore has been institutionalising this Public-Police model with ‘SAANJH’ since 2011.
There are 293 Saanjh Kendras in the state, mostly adjacent to police station. These have slowly turned into one-stop destination for various public grievances. These Saanjh associates not only carry out awareness programs but also provide various services like passport verification with a minimal cost to the citizen.
Speaking to Indian Masterminds, Special DGP Community Affairs Division Ms. Gurpreet Deo explained all the activities carried out under SAANJH
A SUSTAINABLE PROGRAM
Last year over 10 lakh passport were verified in these Saanjh centers. Ms. Deo said, “The small amount charged to the public, of which 50% goes to the government which allows for more community policing activities, while the remaining stays with department. This way the citizens get faster and better services and allows the model to be sustainable for long term.”
FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED
Of the various awareness programs undertaken under Saanjh, there are visits to slums and meeting migrants to make them aware of drugs, sexual violence, trafficking, domestic violence, POCSO-like issues.
“In the process police get the opportunity to connect with citizen. We share our knowledge of law and get feedback from the people,” the officer said.
CHAT BOX
A month ago, a helpline for missing children was launched by Saanjh. It is like a chat box where any victim can register a complaint with Saanjh. The Saanjh associate verifies the complaint and then approaches the police station for further inquiry.Ms. Deo said it is directed at the underprivileged. Generally, the police are reluctant in such cases but with intervention from Saanjh, things might get fast-tracked.
The officer also emphasized that due to little knowledge about the SAANJH initiative, greater awareness among public is still lacking. So the next step is to have a PR campaign around this so more people and their kids remain safe.
EXPERIENCE COUNTS
In yet another unique step, the department is calling for fresh volunteers who will aid Saanjh associate and form a panel to counsel domestic violence victims besides providing compensation. The new step, which could be a big game changer by taking off a huge burden from the police, is mostly targeted at folks retired from the force but ready to contribute to society still.
Ms. Deo says those former people from the force will have the skills and attitude for the work and will be an asset to the program. Already over 80 applications have landed and will be scrutinised by the district SP after a brief interview.
This also has been a big step towards police sensitisation. “With community policing, both parties develop better connectivity and there is greater sense of satisfaction in the results,” added the officer.
Soon, ‘Student Cadet Program’ with classes once a month will be introduced. It will make children aware about the working of police and create a public-friendly image for the police in Punjab that has witnessed years of bad blood between the two.
