New Delhi [India]: In a significant move to improve women’s safety in the capital, Delhi Police is set to launch ‘Shistachar’ squads — dedicated anti-eve-teasing teams — across all districts.
According to a circular issued by the Delhi Police, each district will have a squad of 15 trained personnel who will not only respond to such crimes but also actively work on prevention and deterrence.
Key Details of the Initiative
✅ Identification of Vulnerable Areas:
- District Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCsP) will identify hotspots and areas that pose risks to women’s safety.
- These identified locations will be shared with the DCP of the Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC) for coordinated action.
✅ Deployment Plan:
- The deployment roster will be prepared by Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP), Crime Against Women (CAW) Units, and approved by the DCP SPUWAC on a weekly basis.
- Squads will patrol vulnerable areas regularly and conduct drives at two high-risk points every day, including surprise checks on public transport.
- The teams will rotate across these points to ensure thorough coverage of all such areas over time.
✅ Plain-Clothed Officers for Vigilance:
- Female police officers in plain clothes will be strategically deployed to identify and deter perpetrators.
✅ Community Collaboration:
- The squads will collaborate with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Welfare Associations (MWAs), and local volunteers to enhance vigilance and identify more vulnerable spots.
Focus on Sensitivity and Empathy
The Delhi Police circular emphasized the importance of maintaining a sensitive and empathetic approach while dealing with victims.
“The squad must focus on enforcing the law, rather than imposing personal or cultural morality on individuals,” the circular stated.
This proactive measure aims to create a safer environment for women in public spaces across Delhi while ensuring victims receive the support and protection they need.