Treat people approaching you like the way you want your family members to be treated by the police.” This was the advice of the Delhi Police Commissioner to 336 sub-inspectors who were inducted into the force recently. So, if the police takes the super cops’ advice seriously and chooses to treat “distressed” people approaching them with kindness, it would unquestionably bring forth a pleasant change in the entire system.
“The police will earn the credibility and trust of the common man. Right now many are hesitant while approaching the police with their problems. Even if the force inculcates basic human behavioral attributes, it will boost its reputation,” says Vashu Sinha, a student. “The police will be more approachable, that will in turn help reduce the crime rate in the city,” he adds.
Neeti Prasad, 23, recalls how she chose not to register a case at the local police station when some valuables got stolen from her apartment. “Policemen are often foul-mouthed and hardhearted,” says Neeti with a smirk. “My family, friends and teachers agreed that pleading in front of cops is going to be a futile exercise. Also, we expected nothing to come out of the so-called investigation. Visiting a police station is never a good idea. Thanks to the reputation of cops,” she says.
“It is high time the police presents its compassionate face to those who need them. They should make sure that it’s only the guilty, and not the innocent who are scared of them,” says Rimmi Sharma, 23, a professional.