With an emphasis on empowering women, the Police Control Room unit of the Delhi Police has launched a pilot project in which five PCR vans will be manned by all women staff – from driver of the vehicle to I/C van.

Indiatimes/Tarique Anwar

Initially, these women-only vehicles would be placed at Vigyan Bhawan near Central Secretariat, Jesus & Mary College in Chanakyapuri, Khan Market Metro Station, American Centre at Kasturba Gandhi Marg and Motilal Nehru Marg.

Women police play very important part in day to day policing in the national capital. They form the “back bone” of the police functioning in various units – including police stations, communications, Special Juvenile Police Units, PCR etc.

As a first responder, they play an important role in day to day policing in the city. They are called the “lifeline” of Delhi. On an average they respond to more than 10,000 calls in a day.

Indiatimes/Tarique Anwar

“PCR vans are visible symbols of policing in Delhi. The presence of various PCR vans in the city at different locations act as psychological deterrence for criminals and antisocial elements. Simultaneously, they also instill a sense of confidence in citizens who can approach them in distress,” said DCP (PCR) RK Singh while describing the importance of the new all women unit.

Twenty women police personnel have been trained for the job. All of them have driving licenses. Women personnel, including four assistant sub-inspectors, six head constables and 10 constables have undergone training in musketry and firing.

They have also been trained in Unarmed Combat skills. In order to equip them with the new nature of responsibilities, special refresher course was organised to teach them soft skills, communication skills and law.

Indiatimes/Tarique Anwar

“This initiative has been taken up with a view that lady distress callers find it easier to communicate with women police personnel and narrate their grievances without any hesitation,” he said.

The impact assessment of this initiative would be conducted after a quarter, and if results are found encouraging, the scheme would be extended to other areas of the national capital especially crime prone areas for women.