About Janamaithri Police Kochi City in District Nodal Officer, Asst. Commissioner of Police, Narcotic Cell, Kochi

The term Community Police does not refer to either a new police group or a local community group that undertakes policing work themselves. On the other hand, it envisages a method of policing by members of the police organization quite distinct from the traditional style; that seeks the cooperation of the community, understands the needs of the “community”, gives priority to the security of the “community”, and, taking into account the resources available within the “community”, attempts to streamline the activities of police personnel at local police stations to address the special problems of each community to increase their efficiency and productivity.
Government of Kerala launched Janamaithri Suraksha Project in 20 selected Police Stations in March, 2008. As on today Janamaithri Suraksha Project is implemented in 248 Selected Police Stations (20 Police Stations in 2008, 23 Police Stations in 2009, 105 Police Stations in 2010 and 100 Police Stations in 2012) The project has made tremendous impact on Kerala Society. Further a number of initiatives such as establishment of Coastal Vigilance Committees, Road Safety Programmes, etc. are being implemented in the State. These programmes also are based on the philosophy, principles and practices of Community Policing. Since Community Policing involves a philosophy of policing which is distinct from the traditional approach to policing, it is of crucial importance that appropriate training inputs are given for developing the right attitude and for imparting the relevant knowledge and skills.
Appropriate training is being given to the Beat Officers, Assistant Beat Officers, Community Liaison Groups etc. Janamaithri Suraksha Samithi members have an important role in implementing the project. Selected persons have to be effectively trained. 1361 persons got training in Police Training College for Janamaithri Suraksha Project.
In order to popularize the concept of Janamaithri Project, Janamaithri Kendrams were opened in District and Battalion Headquarters. These centres help people to come and interact with police. These centres have become extremely popular with the public.
The information regarding the Police initiatives has to be disseminated to the public. To give publicity about the Janamaithri Suraksha Project and to attract more and more people into the ambit of the Scheme, various activities are being undertaken. Pamphlets, booklets and other materials are provided to them. The printed materials are supplied to houses in the Beats which also provide them with informations such as Beat Officer’s phone number, and other Police telephone numbers and various services available with the Police. A docu-drama is also being staged for the purpose of spreading the message and mission of the project among the general public. To give publicity about the Janamaithri Suraksha Project and to attract more and more people into the ambit of the Scheme, various audio visual publicity activities are undertaken. Short films and sponsored programmes have been telecast through the visual media and radio programmes like radio jingles and skit have been broadcast through radio.
Janamaithri Suraksha Project seeks the responsible participation of the citizens in crime prevention at the level of the local community, conserving the resources, both of the community and of the police, in fighting against crimes which threaten the security of the community. Experience shows that by seeking the active co-operation of the public in performance of police duties, the process of Law Enforcement becomes far more effective.