Bhubaneswar: The team of newly inducted lady Special Police Officers (SPOs) comprising common women from various organizations will prove to be the third eye of the police in its fight against the rise in crimes on women & girls, Twin City Police Commissioner Sudhansu Sarangi said at a presser today in Bhubaneswar.
Addressing the media and a contingent of lady SPOs comprising college students, IT and call centre employees who voluntarily joined the police force on non-salaried basis, Sarangi declared that, the SPOs would have the same power as cops and in some cases they can even arrest the accused if necessary.
"Though the appointment of SPOs has been made for a period of three months only, it can be extended depending upon the success of the first phase of the project," said the Police Commissioner.
In the presser, Sarangi also raked up the issue of work place harassment of women. Speaking on the topic, he said, "We would like to see more and more women, who have been sexually harassed by their seniors or colleagues in their work places come out and report their ordeal."
"Be it a working woman or a house wife, society should recognize the rights of women, who are 50% of our population," the CP said.
"Being the eyes of the police, the SPOs should report the eve teasing incidents on the streets. Police have the power to extern the eve teasers and issue a notice to appear before the court," added Sarangi.
To mark the induction of the SPOs, special T-Shirts were provided to them during the event.
Ollywood actress Bhumika who was also present at the event praised the initiative by Commissionerate police.
"Being a celebrity I also face many challenges in my life. I have also faced eve teasing at many places. I welcome this step taken by the police. This would help the women immensely."
Speaking to OTV, a newly inducted lady SPO said, "It's a very good initiative and I am sure it will definitely reduce the crime rate in the Twin Cities substantially."