Feeling unsafe? Better police yourself!

SELF-POLICING is best policing, seems to be the latest police mantra for the residents of Lucknow these days. And believe it the cops mean it this time and have launched a campaign with a handy manual on self-policing. It is the first of its kind. The manual contains some home rules which not only promise security but also apprise people of their right to safe living.

SELF-POLICING is best policing, seems to be the latest police mantra for the residents of Lucknow these days.

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And believe it the cops mean it this time and have launched a campaign with a handy manual on self-policing. It is the first of its kind. The manual contains some home rules which not only promise security but also apprise people of their right to safe living.

The idea is to arm people with the right tools to handle situations on their own which otherwise require police interference. “This is just to educate people how to observe certain commonsense rules before going to police,” says Senior Superintendent of Police GK Goswami.

“This in no way dilutes the role of police. Instead, it is going to help curb crime to a large extent through indirect participation by the people in policing,” he adds. The increasing crime graph in the city has given the idea of making this manual to the Lucknow Police. The manual has been brought out in the shape of a pamphlet and is being distributed in public meetings and markets”, says the SSP.

“This also contains contact numbers of all the police stations and its officials. This is the first time such effort has been made. Around 1 lakh such manuals are being distributed initially. Police also plan to advertise the same through newspapers and in channels,” he added. For instance, the women’s security section suggests schoolgoing girls to walk in groups while going to and coming back from school to prevent eveteasing. Women are asked to inform the nearest police station about the name and the place in case someone harasses them while travelling. This manual also warns family members for not sending their girls with any distant relative or with unknown person to avoid any unpleasant incident.

The people should not move alone during late-night hours. And if they have to then they should prefer to drive with other vehicles. Don’t stop your vehicle in isolated places and try not to carry much cash and jewellery when you travel.

Talking about self-policing, the manual says, people should be attentive not only for their own security but also keep a watch on the neighbours’ house. In case you observe unnecessary loud playing of television or music system, inform the police. Young boys, who have recently changed their lifestyle and started carrying costly gadgets or driving new vehicles, should also be reported to the police.

The manual also talks about the precautions people should take before buying any land or property. Ownership of the property should be confirmed from the original revenue records. Precautions related to bank’s security, petrol pump’s security and points to remember when you employ any domestic servant in your house. The manual also tips you on identifying any suspicious person and asks you to inform such incidents to the right place.

Goswami says it’s a positive effort and citizens should also understand their own responsibilities to take some simple tips for their own security.