Crime by a few puts the service of others in vain

The lock-up death of a father and the son in Saathaankulam of Thuthukudi district by two police officers is really disheartening. This is not the first case but still when the whole nation is already suffering due to the COVID-19 and when the police force is at the very need in controlling and securing the public, such cases are really condemnable. The crime by a few ends up blaming the entire police department and I myself a proud daughter of a policeman is really worried about those officers who are sincere and passionate about their duty. I would like to share the positive faces of the police which I witnessed personally during my father’s service period.

Around the year 2000, there was a focus on the behavior of the police and the then chief minister wanted to ensure the police-public smooth relationship. A project called “Kaavalthurai Ungal Nanban” was introduced meaning Police are your friends. Under this project, certain protocols were prescribed to the police. When the public approaches a police station, the complainant should be received with respect and must be offered a seat. Also, be offered with water and then politely be enquired about the problem. If the complainant is unable to read or write, then the writer of the station should assist him in registering the complaint.

The accused who is taken under custody should also be treated humanely. He also should be offered a seat and water. If the inquiry goes beyond a time span then he must be offered with food. More importantly, he should be informed about the charge and allowed to inform his family about the arrest. Not only this but the police force should conduct more awareness campaigns regarding the project and create a smooth rapport with the public. I still remember my father conducting such campaigns and delivering informative speeches among the public.

Apart from this I personally know the service done by my father. If the person taken into custody is a circumstantial accused and is left with a family questioned about the survival, then my father used to offer food and safety until the accused is released after punishment. Even has assisted the rehabilitation of the accused by helping him to start a career for survival and thus preventing him from repeating the crime. When noted criminals were looking for rehabilitation my father gave them a job in the police station itself thus having an eye on them. My mother will still remember how my father used to send his salary through these people thus checking their loyalty and at the same time implanting the sense of responsibility in their hearts.

My father has borne the expense of the funeral of many unclaimed dead bodies. He is one successful and more importantly happily retired police officer. I grew my life ambition to be a police officer by seeing my father. There is so many police personnel out there similar to my father with a great heart and a high sense of responsibility. All their good deeds are degraded by a few officials like the ones involved in the Saathaankulam issue. Just transfer and suspension are not enough to prevent such crimes. Thorough investigation and severe punishment for proven offenses alone can stop this. And that is when the public will gain respect for the department and start relying on them completely. I hope proper justice be delivered soon.


Disclaimer: Few pictures are used only for reference. I do not own the copyrights.