Rural policing and surveillance initiative has been well received by public in Kanniyakumari

The Hindu

20-06-2025

The Rural Policing and Surveillance initiative launched by Kanniyakumari District Superintendent of Police R. Stalin in April has gained widespread appreciation among the villagers. The initiative was introduced with the objective of reducing crime rates and improving public access to police services.
As part of the initiative, two surveillance cameras have been installed at the entry point of the village or hamlet. Additionally, a police personnel from the station under whose jurisdiction, the village falls has been assigned as the in-charge of the village. These officers were directed to visit their assigned villages thrice a week and receive petitions from the public.
A total of 764 constables have been assigned as in-charge officers for the villages and they will be supervised by sub inspectors, inspectors and Deputy Superintendent of Police of the jurisdiction.
As of June 19, 1,164 villages have been selected for the programme and 415 villages have already been equipped with cameras, while remaining villages were assigned with police officers and camera installations are under way.
Though the initiative was launched a couple of months ago, it has already received positive feedback from the public.
Raj, from Theroor highlighted the improved accessibility between the public and the police. He mentioned that the initiative has made several processes easier including passport verification, clearance certificates and others. 'We often hear about crimes targeting elderly and women in rural areas across the State. But initiatives like this can help reduce such incidents,' he noted.
Bhaskar, a resident of Pulluvilai, said that the initiative has instilled confidence among the public. He added, 'A few weeks ago a two wheeler went missing from our village. But we contacted our in-charge officer Rajkumar and the bike was recovered within a short span of time.' He emphasised that the initiative should continue to remain as effective as it is now.
Speaking on the public response Mr. Stalin said, 'I was born and brought up in a rural area and I have experienced the lack of access between police and public in such regions.' He added that the initiative was introduced to bridge the gap between police personnel and villagers. To support this effort, car services have been provided for officers visiting remote tribal hamlets in Pechiparai, Arukani, Pathukani etc,.
The SP further noted that in addition to surveillance cameras installed in shops and on roads, setting up cameras at the village entry points has significantly reduced crime rates. It has also made it easier for people to reach out their assigned police personnel directly on their mobile phones. This has also helped in preventing several crimes and facilitated timely tip-offs in cases related to ganja and other illegal activities, the SP said.