Patna: Bihar Police will establish a Child Help Desk or Child Corner in all 1,377 police stations and outposts across the state by October 2, with the aim of creating a safer and more child-friendly environment for children approaching the police.
The Police Headquarters has issued directions to all districts for implementing the initiative on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Districts have been asked to submit compliance reports to the Weak Section of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) by October 5.
The desks will provide children with a dedicated space to discuss problems, seek assistance and understand laws related to their protection, including provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Dedicated Child-Friendly Space in Every Police Station
The Child Help Desk or Child Corner will be placed at a clearly visible location within each police station so that children and visitors can easily identify it.
The space will remain separate from the lock-up and will be designed differently from the regular police station environment to make it more welcoming for children.
The initiative is being implemented in line with Section 8(5) of the Bihar Police Act, 2007 and guidelines issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
The objective is not only to respond to crimes against children but also to provide a setting where children can speak about their problems without feeling intimidated.
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CWPO to Lead Operations
Each Child Help Desk will function under the leadership of the Child Welfare Police Officer (CWPO) posted at the police station.
The name, designation and mobile number of the CWPO will be displayed prominently at the desk. The contact details of the concerned District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) will also be displayed.
This will give children and their parents a clear point of contact when they need assistance or want to report an issue.
Women Police Personnel for Girls
Bihar Police will also deploy suitable women police personnel at police stations to communicate with girls and address issues specifically related to them.
The contact numbers displayed at the Child Help Desks will have to remain active. Complaints and requests for assistance received from children or their parents will require prompt action.
Police stations will also maintain records of complaints and assistance requests, including details of their disposal within the prescribed timeframe.
This system is intended to make follow-up more accountable while ensuring that child-related complaints do not remain unattended.
DSP-Level Officers to Monitor Child Help Desks
The functioning of the Child Help Desks will be subject to continuous supervision by police officers of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank.
Monitoring will also involve the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) and other senior district-level officers.
Regular supervision and record maintenance will be carried out to ensure that police personnel handle child-related matters with the required sensitivity and follow established procedures.
The involvement of senior officers is also expected to strengthen accountability at the district level.
Focus on Child Protection and Awareness
Apart from responding to complaints, the desks will serve as an information point for children and their families.
Children will be provided information about laws concerning them and the safeguards available under the POCSO Act and other child protection laws. This can help children and parents understand where to seek assistance when they face abuse, exploitation or other difficulties.
A dedicated and visibly identifiable space may also make it easier for children to approach police personnel rather than trying to communicate their concerns in the general station area.
Statewide Rollout From October 2
The decision to establish the desks simultaneously across Bihar’s police stations and outposts is aimed at creating a uniform child-friendly mechanism throughout the state.
With 1,377 police stations and outposts covered, the initiative will extend the dedicated facility to both urban and rural areas.
District police authorities have been tasked with completing the arrangements and reporting compliance by October 5, following the October 2 rollout deadline.
The initiative places greater emphasis on making the first point of contact with the police more accessible to children. Along with dedicated infrastructure, the role of CWPOs, women police personnel and senior officers will be important in ensuring that the system works effectively.
By combining child-friendly spaces, designated officers, active helplines and regular monitoring, Bihar Police is seeking to strengthen the institutional response to issues involving children and make police stations more accessible to young people and their families.
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