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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Mumbai police introduces 'Matunga model' to make police stations more child friendly
In a pioneering step aimed at reshaping the interaction between law enforcement and minors, the Mumbai police have established dedicated child-friendly spaces within seven police stations in zone 4. These stations—located in Matunga , Sion, Antop Hill, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg, Kalachowkie, Bhoiwada, and Wadala truck terminal, now feature specially designed rooms to provide a safe and comforting environment for children of suspects and victims. The designated rooms, known as 'child-friendly corners,' are equipped with toys, art supplies, books, and child-appropriate furniture, creating a stark contrast to the typically austere police station setting. These spaces are intended to occupy and soothe children while their caregivers undergo questioning or provide testimonies. According to a senior police officer, these corners will be managed by women police officers who have received specialized training to ensure that interactions with children are conducted respectfully and sensitively. This initiative, referred to as the 'Matunga model,' addresses a longstanding concern among experts about the intimidating nature of police stations for minors, who often find themselves in vulnerable positions—as victims, witnesses, or relatives of accused individuals. 'Children often find themselves at police stations in extremely vulnerable circumstances. Traditional police environments can be intimidating and even traumatic. In such situations, these corners can keep children engaged and provide a distraction from the harsh realities of the environment,' the officer explained as quoted by TOI. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Handmade Painted Book Mug Is Taking Texas By Storm Graddi Read More Undo The Mumbai police plan to extend this model to all 85 police stations across the city in the near future. Additionally, collaborations with child psychologists, legal aid professionals, and non-governmental organizations are expected to enhance the holistic support available to children within the justice system. The initiative is aligned with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, reinforcing the commitment to child protection. DCP of zone 4, R Raghasudha told TOI, emphasized the symbolic significance of the project, stating, 'This is more than a room—it's a message that Mumbai police are committed to treating children with dignity, care, and compassion.' Live Events The move has received positive responses from child rights advocates. Stuti Kacker , chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, highlighted the importance of safeguarding and nurturing children within systems that have historically overlooked their needs. NGOs such as CRY West have also welcomed the initiative; Kumar Nilendu, General Manager (Programmes) at CRY West, noted that the organization has conducted training sessions for police officers as part of the program. 'The change in their approach would make children much less intimidated by police,' he said. This child-centric approach marks a significant shift in police engagement with minors , signalling a more empathetic and supportive law enforcement environment in Mumbai.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Kids get ‘safe space' with art, books & toys at 7 police stations
Mumbai: Toys, art supplies, books, popular children's show characters painted on walls—these may look rather out of place in a grim police station but are part of a pioneering move that could reshape the way law enforcement interacts with minors. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mumbai police recently opened a dedicated safe space for children of suspects and victims at seven police stations in zone 4, covering Matunga, Sion, Antop Hill, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg, Kalachowkie, Bhoiwada and Wadala truck terminal. At these police stations, one room with a separate entry, dubbed as a 'child-friendly corner', has been earmarked solely for children while their caregivers are being questioned or are recording their testimonies. The room has child-friendly furniture, toys, art materials and books to keep them occupied. A senior police officer said dedicated women police officers with specialised training will handle the children to ensure that interactions are respectful. The model will soon be replicated at the remaining 85 police stations in the city. Mumbai police are also expected to collaborate with child psychologists, legal aid experts and NGOs to provide holistic support to children. The initiative aligns closely with Juvenile Justice Act. Also dubbed 'the Matunga model', the initiative aims at bridging what experts have often called a persistent gap in how legal systems, especially police stations, engage with minors. "Children often find themselves at police stations in extremely vulnerable circumstances, either as victims of abuse, witnesses to crimes, or children of accused. Traditional police environments can be intimidating and even traumatic. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In such situations, such corners can keep children busy and distract them from the harsh situation at police stations," said a police officer. "This is more than a room—it's a message," said DCP (zone 4) R Raghasudha. "A message that Mumbai police are committed to treating children with dignity, care and compassion." Stuti Kacker, chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said children must be protected, heard and nurtured, especially when they find themselves within systems that have historically failed to accommodate their voices. NGOs welcomed police's initiative. Kumar Nilendu, general maanger (programmes), CRY West, said the child rights NGO held training sessions for police as part of the initiative. "The change in their approach would make children much less intimidated by police."
