LDF Govt. to aim for hi-tech and humane police force

Kochi, June 15 (UNI) Stating that the LDF Government would give priority to modernisation of the state police, Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today said efforts would be made to computerise police stations and have separate waiting areas for complainants.

Addressing the 23rd state conference of the Kerala Police Association here, he said necessary changes would be made in the police training modules.

A committee was being set up under Additional DGP (Training) Jacob Punnose to bring about necessary changes in the Police Manual.

Exhorting police personnel to change their style of functioning, he said they should always be courteous and cooperate with the public. 'Innocent people should not be harassed while criminals should not be allowed to get away.' Admitting that police personnel worked under trying conditions, Mr Balakrishnan said from August onwards, eight-hour duty would be reintroduced in 72 police stations in the state.

Also, personnel who had completed 15 years of service would be promoted as head constables while those who had completed 23 years as head constables would become ASIs.

Stating that the police control room would be revamped, the Minister said a new face would be given to police stations, with separate reception or waiting areas for complainants and visitors.

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