UP mulls on self-policing to check increasing crime graph

Lucknow, Aug 10 (UNI) Alarmed by rising cases of kidnappings, murders and eve-teasing, police in the Uttar Pradesh capital have conceptualised a plan of self-policing to check the increasing crime graph.

In a first of its kind in the most populous state in the country, cops here have released a handy manual for the citizens to protect themselves from crimes and criminals.

While many say it is the police's admission of failure in tackling crime, the police claim it is a way to teach citizens the basics of crime prevention.

The manual contains some home rules which 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 on how to observe certain common rules before calling the police,'' Senior Superintendent of Police Dr GK Goswami said here.

''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 claimed.

The increasing crime graph in the city has given the idea of creating 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.

The manual contains contact numbers of all the police stations and its officials. This is the first time such effort has been made.

Around one lakh such manuals are being distributed initially.

Police also plan to advertise the same through newspapers and the electronic media at a later stage.

The section on women suggests that girls should walk to schools in groups to prevent eve teasing. Women have also been asked to contact the nearest police station in case of eve teasing without delay.

This manual warns parents and family members against sending girls with any distant relative or unknown person to avoid ''unpleasant incidents'' such as rape.

Talking of self-policing, the manual asks people to pay attention to their neighbours' security also.

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