Dimapur, Oct. 17 (EMN): Now for the first time, the idea of introducing community policing in Dimapur is being discussed. According to a press release from the Public Action Committee (PAC) under Naga Council Dimapur on Thursday, the “importance” of community policing was discussed among representatives of Dimapur Urban Colonies Chairmen's Federation (DUCCF), Dimapur District Village Council Chairman's Association (DDVCCA) and Dimapur Police Commissionerate on October 16.
“The sole purpose of the meeting was to briefly highlight the activities undertaken by PAC so far in tackling illegal collection of money in Dimapur; and the need and importance of community policing. Leaders from both the federation and association shared problems as well as experiences in abetting social evils in the society.
“It deliberated that it is important and necessary to adopt ways and means to support and help (the) police. Police alone cannot solve bad elements (sic) as there are numerous unreported cases of social evils taking place and unless community participate, police alone cannot contain the menace,” read the statement.
It informed that the ACP from Commissionerate office shared the limited strength of police in the city and how they were ‘working tirelessly’, nevertheless. “He also shared the importance of COPS (Community Oriented Policing Scheme) implemented elsewhere, and that the police and community should work together to prevent crime from happening by maintaining good communication with one another.
“He also shared about Sunset Policing and Neighbourhood Watch, where community plays a vital role, but also cautioned that the public should never take the law into their own hands,” it stated.
According to him, by adopting good community policing system and active participation of the community, “we can make our environment safe and deter criminals.”
Meanwhile, the PAC sought the support and participation of the DUCCF and the DDVCCA; and suggested that implementing community policing can be contemplated in future.
During a regional conference on good governance held last year in Kohima, the concept of community policing was discussed.
In 2012, the then DGP of Nagaland, O Alem had initiated and invited civil societies in Dimapur to a public debate on community policing.
