The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Police reach out to the public

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Police reach out to the public

Staff Reporter

More accent to be given to enforcement of law

SAFE DRIVING: The road show organised in connection with `Subha Yatra,' a carnival for creating awareness on road safety by the city police on Tuesday. Photo: Vipin Chandran

KOCHI: Residents of the city had a rare glimpse of the city police force at the Town Hall on Tuesday. Those in uniform were there to clear the residents' doubts and explain the various equipment used in law and order maintenance.

Subha Yatra — A Carnival for Safety, organised by the city police, was a unique attempt to reach out to the public. "The idea was to effectively drive home messages about road safety and traffic rules," said K. Padmakumar, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ernakulam Range.

"More than 50 per cent of the accidents are caused by drivers' fault and lack of awareness. This is an attempt to correct the situation," Mr. Padmakumar said.

Overwhelming response from the public has encouraged the police to take the drive to lower levels. "More such interactive programmes will be held at villages and also on specific issues like accidents involving tipper lorries," said Mr. Padmakumar.

Through this show, the force is also trying to communicate that accent will be on strict enforcement of law. During 2005, the city police had collected almost double the amount as penalties for various offences, when compared to the previous year, said P. Vijayan, City Police Commissioner.

The police had been successful in bringing down crime in the city, especially with Shadows, the special surveillance team comprising plainclothesmen, being brought in to fight petty crimes.

Carnival on safety

The carnival got going with a road show, which included motorbikes, jeeps, vans and recovery vans operated by the city police. The road show began from Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, and ended at the Town Hall. After the motorcade reached the venue, Mr. Padmakumar hoisted the flag.

The carnival was formally inaugurated by K.V. Thomas, MLA, in the afternoon. K. Babu, MLA, presided over the function. A free ayurveda medical camp, in association with Dhanwanthari Multi-Speciality Ayurvedic Centre, was held at the carnival. Three Alsatians and one Labrador Retriever of the dog squad performed demonstrations for the public and different riot gear and various bomb detection equipment were on display. The police band performances by two companies of Kerala Armed Police were there to enliven the atmosphere.

An exhibition of photographs and posters was held to sensitise the public about the impact of road accidents. Cartoonist Toms made an on-the-spot cartoon featuring his famous characters Boban and Molly fleeing for their lives on seeing an approaching tipper lorry.

Damodaran, a head constable of City Traffic (West), and Maniappan, a police constable of City Traffic (East), were given awards as part of the model road project. Wheelchairs were distributed to five survivors of road accidents.

A quiz show, with accent on traffic awareness, magic show, including a performance by Martin K. Mathew, Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch, and musical programme led by music director duo Bernie-Ignatius were the other highlights of the programme.

The carnival ended with fireworks.

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