In a significant move to bolster women's safety, the Kolkata Police has announced the launch of 20 dedicated help booths that will operate round the clock. These special units, to be primarily staffed by women officers, aim to provide immediate assistance and a secure channel for lodging complaints.
Round-the-Clock Assistance at Strategic Locations
The initiative, named 'Pink Security Booths', is designed to be highly visible and accessible. According to plans finalized at Lalbazar police headquarters, two booths will be established in each of the city's ten police divisions. These include North, Central, South, Southeast, Southwest, South Suburban, East, East Suburban, Port, and Bhangar.
The kiosks will be strategically placed at locations with high footfall of women. This new system will complement existing all-women police forces like Winners and Shakti that are already deployed across Kolkata.
Operational Details and Staffing
Each Pink Security Booth will be a self-contained unit of support. It will be led by an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), supported by a team of three to five women constables. Police authorities have emphasized that efforts will be made to ensure a woman ASI heads each team.
The role of these officers will be multifaceted. 'In these booths, our lady officers will help women in distress, arrange a safe place for them to stay if required and coordinate with the police station concerned or the control room to ensure prompt action,' explained a senior officer involved with the project.
Phased Rollout and Enhanced Visibility
The rollout of the booths will happen in phases. While at least two booths are scheduled to be unveiled by Christmas, the remaining units are expected to become fully functional early next year.
A joint commissioner of police stated that this initiative is a core part of the force's broader mission to create a safer environment for women, especially during night hours. The constant presence of these brightly marked booths is expected to act as both a deterrent to crime and a beacon of reassurance.
Dipanwita Sen, a Behala resident and travel company executive, welcomed the move. 'Such an initiative will make female cops more visible on the ground. I hope the project is implemented in earnest as the booths will help working women returning home at night in multiple ways,' she said.
Appointment of Women Nodal Officers
In a parallel effort to streamline support for women, Kolkata Police will also appoint a dedicated lady nodal officer at every police station across the city by Christmas. Although this plan was originally conceived in 2017, logistical issues delayed its implementation.
These nodal officers will specialize in handling cases related to crimes against women. 'The presence of female nodal officers will make it easier for women to report crime and seek help. Women may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues with them,' an officer noted. They will serve as a crucial liaison, bridging the gap between the investigating officer and the complainant.
The combined impact of the 24x7 Pink Security Booths and the station-level nodal officers represents a comprehensive upgrade to Kolkata's infrastructure for women's safety, aiming to foster greater trust and prompt response within the community.
