Will Kolkata Police’s ‘Pink Security Booths’ Enhance Night Safety for Women?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pink Security Booths will be staffed exclusively by female officers.
- The booths will operate throughout the night.
- Women can seek immediate assistance if they feel threatened.
- Transportation assistance will be provided for women lacking safe rides home.
- Complaints can be lodged at the booths for further action.
Kolkata, Dec 1 (NationPress) In response to increasing concerns regarding crimes against women, the Kolkata Police has introduced the 'Pink Security Booths' initiative throughout the metropolis, entirely staffed by female officers, dedicated to safeguarding women's safety on the streets, especially after dark.
Every division of the Kolkata Police has been instructed to begin preparations to roll out this innovative security feature, as reported by police sources.
The initiative is designed to bolster women's confidence in navigating the city at night. According to reports, the Kolkata Police intends to deploy Pink Booths across all ten divisions, with two booths established in each division. A comprehensive survey has already pinpointed suitable locations for these booths, totaling twenty.
Strategic intersections within each division have been chosen for the installation of these booths. An official from the city police explained that the booths are specifically named Pink Booths to reflect their focus on women’s safety. These booths will operate throughout the night and will feature a police officer in charge, supported by a team of three to five female personnel.
Regarding the operational details of the Pink Booths, a senior official stated, “If a woman feels threatened at night, she can seek immediate assistance at the Pink Booth. The women police present will provide help and allow her to stay at the booth for as long as necessary. Should she wish to file a complaint, the staff will relay the information to the relevant police station and, if necessary, to the Kolkata Police control room. Appropriate action will then be taken.”
Additionally, if a woman encounters difficulties finding transportation home at night, the personnel at the Pink Booth will assist in arranging a safe ride.
Moreover, female officers are being designated as nodal officers at every police station to address issues related to crimes against women. This system was initially implemented in the South-East Division of the Kolkata Police and is now being extended to the other nine divisions.
Police officials remarked that in many instances involving women, complainants may hesitate to divulge full details to the station staff.
“In these cases, they can feel at ease discussing matters with the designated woman sub-inspector nodal officer. Even if she is not the investigating officer for that specific case, she will act as the primary contact and assist the complainant throughout the process,” the officials added.