If you live in, or are visiting, Chennai, don’t be surprised if a red and white mini-bus with a projector and 42-inch LCD TV passes by. It is the city’s police station on wheels. In an attempt to strengthen police-public relation and security, this initiative of Chennai police has been in existence for a decade.
This mobile police station has been operational since 2003 but was re-inaugurated in 2007 and again in 2013, with extensive renovations to the vehicle.
In operation since August 1, the new mobile police station has been successful in registering petitions and carrying out awareness campaigns. Campaigns ranged from crime prevention to sensitising students against suicides and crimes against woman.
“The police station is also equipped with woman professionals who conduct family counselling. Cases relating to property and petty cases such as street quarrels are filed in this police station,” said Police Inspector N. Geetha.
Manned by an inspector, two head constables, and two constables — a man and a woman, the mobile police station glides along the streets of Anna Nagar, in west Chennai, every evening. It covers 15 police stations including Thirumangalam, Aminjikarai, Villivakkam and Koyambedu.
Well, it’s different
Equipped with mikes, laptops, projectors, a fax machine, telephone and a soon to-be-added GPS, the mobile police station functions as a basic police station. Unlike patrol vehicles, the mobile police station gives the complainant an acknowledgement before referring it to the police station.
The mobile station is generally operative in crime-sensitive areas.
With audio and video presentations and broadcast awareness messages the police station reaches out to the common man. It manages to bring before the public eye the methods of police functioning and maintains transparency in public work.
What does the public have to say about it?
“Now one doesn’t need to dial 100. All you need to do is walk down the street and file your complaint.” said Mala Pokhrel, a resident of Anna Nagar.