Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to fight crime against women, Commissionerate Police in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack has decided to appoint girl students as well as working women as Special Police Officers (SPOs).

Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi today informed that already 41 institutions including educational institutions and others in IT and corporate sectors have been approached to recommend their employees and students to be appointed as SPOs. The basic objective is to ensure that timely and swift action can be taken against molesters as well as others harassing girls and women.

The SPOs will be given adequate training and they will act as a bridge between the society and Police, informed sources. As per reports, these women SPOs will be appointed in Bhubaneswar in the first phase from January next year.

“Girls and women are not feeling safe in their educational institutions and workplaces. Many a times, they hesitate to lodge complaint at police stations. Hence, we have decided to appoint special police officers from educational institutions and companies. The girls and women will be given special training as well,” said Sarangi.

Sarangi further stated that such trained SPOs will be made members of WhatsApp groups having senior Police officials to ensure that the grievances are addressed at the earliest.

“There will be no remuneration for SPOs, but they will have special powers. We will educate and train the women SPOs who will act as a bridge between police and other girls and women,” added Sarangi.

Meanwhile, girls and women have welcomed such an initiative of the Commissionerate Police.

“Many girls cannot directly communicate with police officers regarding their problems. Now they can approach the concerned SPOs from their institute who will in turn ensure that their grievances and problems are resolved,” said a student.

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