Tamil Nadu - Tuticorin   

Tuticorin police go out of the way for an image makeover exercise

R. Vimal Kumar

Hit upon a novel method, `Gramam Selvom,' to build rapport

CAMARADERIE: Police personnel interacting with villagers at Ramnagar near Tuticorin on Friday. — Photo N. Rajesh

Tuticorin: Led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (Town sub-division) Mohammed Ghori, 115 police personnel on Friday visited Rajapandi Nagar, a hamlet off Tuticorin-Tiruchendur highway, and sought cooperation from the residents for a harmonious police-public relationship.

Dressed in plainclothes, the police contingent comprising one DSP, five Inspectors, 18 Sub-Inspectors and 91 constables, walked from the South Police station premises, which was 3 km away.

"Our aim is to drive home the message that the police are for them and with them, at times of emergencies, the reason why we opted for civilian clothes during our visit," Mr. Ghori said.

Lend an ear

During the visit, they mingled with the residents in a cordial manner and patiently listened to their grievances. According to Chellathangam, a widow, the interaction turned out to be an `unbelievable' experience, as she was able to present her grievance before a host of senior police officials without any fear.

She sought their help to get back Rs. 5,000, which she lent to her friend recently. And the police assured to help her out.

The other complaints pertained to infrequent mini-bus services to their village and some civic problems.

The police officials explained to the villagers of the importance of personal hygiene, effective traffic management and rights of women.

Reciprocating the `friendly behaviour' of police personnel, the villagers assured their co-operation to the law enforcers in nabbing anti-social elements and ganja / drug traffickers.

More `Gramam Selvom'

Superintendent of Police Y. John Nicholson said, "We will be visiting many more villages in the coming days under a novel `Gramam Selvom' ( Let's go to the village) scheme, to improve the public image of the police personnel.

We would forward the grievances received during such visits to the departments concerned, he added.

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