One of my friends saw an elderly woman lying on roads in the suburbs of Chennai. She was in a very bad state. The next day also he saw her in the same state. He was moved and wanted to help her. He immediately took her to the near by General Hospital.

H e continously followed the status and when doctors said she can be taken back, he faced a big question, "Who will take care of her?" . Most of the old age homes, expect the person to be in hale and healthy condition.

He approached the local police station. They were friendly and guided him to a old age home who thankfully accepted aged people who can not even manage themselves also. Surely, the policeman was a friend in need. Thanks to this guy, who inspite of being in a flashy software job, found time for helping this old lady.

FRIENDS OF POLICE


The Movement aims to bring police and public close to each other. Through this movement there will be free flow of information between the police and the public. It can be very helpful in creating channels for receiving the right information at the right time. It can also help police in correcting its negative image and projecting the right kind of image of police in the minds of the public. The public will come to know of the good work being done by police and help them. On the other hand, police will get the information of public sentiments on various issues.

Mr.Prathap V Philip, IPS, started FOP in Ramanathapuram District in 1993. It was then extended to the whole state of Tamilnadu by the Chief Minister.

By becoming a member of "Friends of Police" one feels a sense of belonging and responsibility. Such feeling prevents one from behaving irresponsibly. It helps to promote crime awareness among the people and enable prevention of crimes. It also promotes a sense of civic responsibilities and duties among the public by educating them. It can impart fairness, transparency and impartiality in the working of police.

This is a useful holistic and pro-active concept and a tool to transform the police image, strengthen the police force and create attitudinal changes both within the force and among the public. It is an experiment worth trying in every nation and every district. It is a formula and method of sharing police power and responsibility with the public in an increasingly complex and dangerous world.


All ranks in the police should act and interact with FOPs. FOPs can pass on useful information, can encourage police personnel, give useful suggestions to solve local problems, accompany policemen on night beats or move in groups wearing FOP badges in the area of their residence so as to cover up to 500 houses. Each FOP who has ticked the activity 'Night Rounds' is expected to spend at least six hours in a month in such an activity. FOPs who have chosen the option traffic assistance should be given training in traffic signs and regulations and will be expected to spend at least three hours in a month in traffic assistance.

Friends of Police, Room No 11, 3rd Floor, 'DHARMA Towers', New No 88, Nelson Manickam Road, Chennai-600 094 ph : 044-52186554, www.friendsofpolice.org


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Food for Thought...

It's good to have money and the things money can buy,
but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make
sure you haven't lost the things that money can't buy.
                                                    - George Horace Lorimer