Thiruvanananthapuram : Aiming to increase women presence in police force, the government reported 770 vacancies in Civil Police Officer(CPO) rank to the PSC, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told the Assembly on Tuesday. Of these, 736 candidates have received appointment from the current rank list and 551 have already started with their training. Promotion and NJD vacancies were reported to the PSC. Vacancies arising from overseas services and long leave were all reported before expiry of the current rank list, said CM. The percentage of women police in force was 9.61 in 2016. That figure shall be upped to reach 15 percent, CM added.
The government is mulling new laws to combat gold smuggling and organised crime in state. In rape cases, police will be given special training to clinch evidences more competently that ensure maximum punishment for the guilty. Special scheme has been designed for greater safety of women and children. There have been no political killings or communal conflicts after coming to power of the current government. 305 persons have been kept under preventive detention by the earlier government, said CM.
Artificial intelligence is being explored to increase police efficacy and a Drone Forensic Research Centre too has been set up. Student Police Cadet programme will be started across 197 aided schools with help of UNICEF. Services of retired police officers will be utilised to train students under the programme. 50 Scientific Officers posts and 6 Asst. Director vacancies will be created in the Forensic Department. 8-hour duty shall be implemented at all police stations, said CM.
The Chief Minister further told the House that investigations were progressing into threats received by Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, KK Rema and her son. The suspect in connection with threats to Radhakrishnan has been arrested, said CM as part of queries relating to Budget funding.
