More power to policewomen, say top cops

Despite male constables' scepticism, officers keen to upu00a0women cop numbers, involve them in investigation work

The current ratio of women and men in city police constabulary is 13:87 but the force is now looking forward to 30 per cent women constabulary. As the induction of more women in constabulary will take place shortly, the effective and efficient use of women in the services has taken centrestage.

While the concept of involving women constables in investigation work is still met with some scepticism by the male constables, top officers have the findings of a study to back their decision to give more responsibility to policewomen.

A recent survey compiled by Additional Commissioner of Police (South Region) Prabhatkumar aimed at discovering the areas where the women constabulary can function effectively. He identified 35 jobs in which involvement of women in investigation was given a serious thought.

Prabhatkumar said, "Training women constabulary as crime clerks will give them a chance to rectify the gaps in the chargesheet. It is a long term goal as five years down the line, women constabulary will be able to work as effective investigating officers."

For and against
Bundgarden police station in-charge Suhas Nadgauda said that the Bundgarden police station has 37 women police officials attached to it.

"Ten women constables are attached to Hadapsar police station. Two of them manage ACP's office work, another constable seamlessly manages daybook work, and one more works as a crime clerk. Four of them manage computer related work while two have been designated wireless duty," said Hadapasar police station in-charge PI Pandharinath Mandhare. "I agree women constables are efficient in managing the office work."

While higher-ups are making an effort, the male constabulary is still not in a welcome mode. One of the constables said, "Women colleagues always come with an excuse about their family when they report
late on duty. And if seniors take up these issues they retort back."

Another constable said that women constabulary should be attached to an all women police station and should be headed by women officers. "In such a scenario, complaints filed by women will be taken care of on a priority basis. Also, women officers will train them how to balance personal life with their professional life."

There are some who believe that women constabulary are indeed efficient. "Women colleagues can operate on computers efficiently. Rarely are they given investigation duty. But I am sure they will carry out investigations efficiently," said Harishchandra Kadam, head constable attached to Pimpri police station.