‘Community policing integral part of education’

Malerkotla SSP Gagan Ajit Singh talks to Mahesh Sharma on the significance of integrating community policing into education through institutionalised platforms.

n How long have you been serving in Punjab Police?

I joined the Punjab Police through PPS as a DSP in 2002 and have served at various posts since.

n When was community policing launched?

While the Punjab Police has been associated with various aspects of the society, besides undertaking a broad array of specialised services, including the prevention and detection of crime, maintenance of law and order and enforcement of the Constitution of India since its inception, community policing was officially launched in an institutionalised manner as the Saanjh programme in 2011.

n How is it integrated in the field of education?

Presently, community policing has become an integral and indispensable part of education at school and college levels. Besides organising workshops, seminars and camps to sensitise students to the causes and consequences of social evils, we have introduced Police Public Committees and Student Police Cadet Programmes.

n How are programmes important for students?

As the community policy is aimed to build partnership with the community to address issues like crime and promote civic sense, educational institutes are the most efficacious platforms to nip the evil in bud. We have programmes like the Yuva Saanjh initiative for fostering youth development.

n How does your hockey background benefit others?

I focus on promoting sportsmanship among my staff, students. I have succeeded in presenting personnel in my team as role models for the youth. We never decline proposals from schools or organisations to hold tournament.