the goan I network
PANAJI
Retired Judge of the Sessions Court and South Goa District Court Desmond D’Costa, on Friday, urged young police personnel to help the public who approached them, and give them a good image of the police department.
Ex-judge D’Costa was speaking at a Police Sensitization Programme for over 100 personnel from across Goa, organised by the Goa State Commission for Women (GSCW) at the Gazetted Police Officer’s Institute in Altinho.
“Many people are under the impression that unless you have influence, or come with a recommendation from an MLA, the police will not take your complaint,” lamented the retired judge, while encouraging those present to change that public impression.
D’Costa especially tried to persuade the police personnel to take cognisance of complaints brought by women. “When women come to the Police Station, give them a patient hearing, even if you’re very busy,” he advised, reminding them to be conscious of their role in, and to, society.
“Despite the problems you face in your role, work according to your conscience,” he urged, sympathising that policemen and women who worked devotedly, sometimes displeasing their boss because of this, were immediately transferred. “Ultimately, you have to listen to your conscience,” he said.
Urging police personnel to introspect at the end of each day, and follow in the footsteps of only seniors who did their duty well, Dr K Srinivasa Rao, also speaking at the programme, strongly dissuaded young police constables from taking money under the table.
Dr Rao, an Associate Professor of Law at Salgaocar Law College, told them, “I know the limitations you face. You get calls from high officials and politicians. Sometimes you may feel it’s better to follow their instructions. But don’t use your post for corruption.” Dr Rao also told them that temptation would never be far away, but they had to remember the money they were offered under the table was not theirs. “(You) have to remember that (you are) getting (your) salary every month,” he said.
Dr Rao acknowledged that it could get very discouraging for police personnel when they were not appreciated. “Especially in the media, appreciation for police is less, but when you make a mistake, they will highlight it too much,” he said, asking them not to get discouraged by this.
The professor also urged them to register an FIR when people came to the police station. “Several people are not happy that the police do not register the FIR. I know the difficulties you face. But what will the public feel?” he asked them to ponder.
