Special Lecture on Role of Police in Protecting Children from Sexual Offences at PU
The Centre for Police Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh organized a special lecture on “Role of Police in Protecting Children from Sexual Offences”, to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of Independence of India, by Dr.K.P. Singh, IPS (Retd.) former DGP, Haryana.
Dr. Singh in his address said that “the police is the first responder to an exploited child and plays the most crucial role in setting in motion the justice delivery system after a crime is reported or detected or when such a crime is likely to happen.” According to him, “the response and attitude of the police towards the child can encourage the child to participate without fear in the investigation process and later during trial, which also impacts the proper rehabilitation and reintegration of the child back into the family and/or society.” It will also encourage more child victims and/or their families to come forward with reports of crimes and significantly, ensure that the process does not become the punishment for victims. The speaker pointed out that legislation with stringent provisions was the need of the hour and the Government enacted POCSO Act, 2012 to fulfil this need. The POCSO Act, 2012 is a gender neutral act and makes provisions for both the genders. It also recognizes the fact that sexual offences can be perpetrated by the relatives and family members too and children may experience confusion and guilt along with trauma. In such cases, allegations of sexual abuse should not be dismissed as frivolous or false.While elaborating on the role of police in recording the information,Dr. Singh pointed out that police should be very careful while recording the statements of the child. They should make him comfortable by ensuring the presence of a parent, guardian, or person whom the child trusts. A lady police officer not below the rank of Sub-inspector should be present during this process.
Earlier,Prof. Anil Monga, Chairperson, Centre for Police Administration while welcoming the speaker and participants said that India leads the world as a country with maximum cases of child sexual exploitation. Several studies conducted on the subject reveal that the people sexually exploiting children are known to the children or are people whom the children trust. Many times family members, cousin brothers, uncles or neighbours indulge in this crime which has a serious impact on the growth of the child as a normal human being later. Government though has brought POCSO Act, 2012 with stringent provisions, but the situation is going from bad to worse.
The lecture was attended by the Faculty, Research Scholars and students of Centre for Police Administration and was highly appreciated. The session ended with a vote of thanks by Prof. Anil Monga, Chairperson of the Centre.
