MUMBAI: In a significant step, the Centre has acknowledged that citizens often face harassment when they come forward to assist women in distress.
Now such Good samaritans will not be subject to any interrogation or be forced to become witnesses.
They will be protected so they may freely report a crime and help the victim or police.
In a parallel move towards better policing, more women will be recruited in the force and constables will receive training in gender sensitivity skills.
The government will also promote community policing and lay stress on value education.
The state has recognised that there is a continual need for gender sensitization among the police force, particularly at the level of the beat constables and at police stations.
It has said that training courses need to be organised on a regular basis by the police.
At the time of inspection of a police station, it will be mandatory for the inspecting officer to specifically record his findings regarding gender sensitivity of the personnel posted there.
He will also note the record of the police station and station house officer (SHO) in registering and investigating complaints of crimes against women.
The inspecting officer will check whether women are being discouraged from lodging complaints in that police station.
Strict action will be taken against police personnel and officers found to be displaying bias against women or neglecting their supervisory responsibilities in this respect.
The government now feels "an imperative need" to recruit more women in the police force. In order to incentivize the states to do so, the ministry of home affairs will formulate a suitable scheme within four weeks and obtain the necessary approvals. Another plan is to promote community policing.
"This will not only augment the effectiveness of the police force but will also motivate responsible persons in each locality to perform their duty as citizens," the Centre feels.
Good samaritans will not face interrogation or forced to be witnesses
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Good samaritans will not face interrogation or forced to be witnesses
