Date:03/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/03/stories/2006010316770400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Public participation model to help police

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: The patrolling system introduced by the city police in the first week of December has gained more relevance in the wake of the attack at the Indian Institute of Science.

The system of patrolling neighbourhoods, announced by City Police Commissioner Ajai Kumar Singh, will involve a group of 25 to 30 residents and a team of police officers headed by an assistant sub inspector or head constable.

Women, young people and senior citizens are being contacted to volunteer.

The community participation model is expected to help the police by way of getting information about significant happenings in a locality.

"The modified beat system has been launched to involve the public in a larger way in policing. Those who want to participate can contact their nearest police station with a bio data and they will be enrolled,'' the Commissioner said.

Quite a few neighbourhood groups have been formed hence, acting as the eyes and ears of the police.

The police have also started reaching out to the youth in city slums.