We often receive visiting cards from people owning small or large businesses or holding important designations in private companies. At times, we too dish out cards to others. But have you ever come across a policeman handing out visiting cards that too on a railway platform?!
In the first of its kind initiative in Karnataka, cops are now giving their visiting cards to people to be used in times of need. Additional Director General of Police, Railways in Karnataka, IPS Bhaskar Rao talked with Indian Masterminds about this (rather unusual) move.
SAFETY FIRST
The railway police personnel are handing out their visiting cards to passengers on trains leaving Bengaluru. The idea behind the initiative is to ensure that people aboard have a number at hand in case of any emergency.
“The personalized visiting card is printed in Kannada and English, and bears the tagline ‘Happy to Help’. These will be handed to passengers, especially women who are traveling alone, senior citizens, the needy, the lost, and foreigners. In this way, we wish to ensure that traveling passengers are not harassed in any way,” Mr. Rao told Indian Masterminds.
The cards bear the contact numbers and Email IDs of not just the jurisdictional police stations but also of individual policemen. It contains names of police stations, constables, head constables, assistant police sub-inspector, the official number of the police station, its email ID, and the railway
police’s Whatsapp number.
Armed with this card, the passengers would not have to wait to reach the next station and then file a complaint with the authorities about their distress.
EMPOWERING THE CONSTABLES
The ADGP Railways believes that the constables need to be empowered as ultimately they are the ones who address people’s problems.
“This initiative will take the police department towards community policing, help people in their problem as well as improve the response mechanism of the police department. It is never too late to reach out to the citizens,” said Mr. Rao.
The activity, it’s hoped will further help in “demystifying the police department” by way of their humble constables handing out visiting cards.
“I am surprised by the response as people have traveled beyond railway stations and called police constables to receive advice regarding the law and order related issues,” Mr Rao told Indian Masterminds.
MIND OF A CRIMINAL
According to the officer, rail travel is more unsafe than any other form of travel as it gives anonymity to criminals. Among rail crimes, mobile phone and laptop thefts top the list.
“Most robbers pretend to be travelers and strike a rapport with their target. Once the unsuspecting passenger is asleep, they steal their money, electronic gadgets, and jewelry, etc. Some give passengers food laced with sedatives before robbing them. We have also seen cases where bodies packed in suitcases are left under the seats,” stated Mr. Rao.
These criminals try to mix and mingle with passengers as ordinary travelers, to gain their trust. They even go to great lengths and sport army haircuts and dress well to show that they come from good backgrounds. They help passengers with their luggage and once the innocent prey steps on the platform or visit the restroom, they flee away with their belongings.
SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVE
By giving out visiting cards to help people, the Karnataka Railway Police has taken a huge step not only towards passengers’ safety but towards bridging the gap between the police and the public as well.
“Hopefully, it will get extended to other parts of the state because the fear and the doubt against the police department can only be cleared when the police themselves become proactive and reach out to people,” says Mr. Rao.
In this way, the constables and passengers are also able to find friends in each other.
