In a bid to let children report any incidents freely and not be afraid when reporting abuse or being called for an investigation, Uttarakhand constructed its first-ever ‘child-friendly’ police station in the state capital, Dehradun.
State’s first child-friendly police station has been developed on the first floor of the Dalanwala police station premises and is ready for operation. The initiative aims to make police sensitive to the needs of children.
Unlike the white walls of the main premises, the floor is painted in bright colors, and printed window blinds are set to replace solid curtains.
This ‘baal mitra police thana’ has been developed under the supervision of the Uttarakhand Child Rights Protection Commission, and support has been taken from a social organization in giving the premises a child-friendly look.
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Usha Negi, Chairperson of the state’s child rights protection committee told the media that personnel will be trained in counselling and sensitivity. Children and juveniles alleged of petty crimes or are victims of child labour or abuse, will be brought to the station, designed in such a manner that it is not intimidating, and will be counselled accordingly.
Shweta Chaubey, the city’s superintendent of police, informed IE that until the construction similar units in other police stations dotted in the city, children will be brought to the Dalanwala ‘Child-Friendly’ Station for questioning and counselling.