Karnataka accounts for more than 25% of cybercrimes in the country, says top police official

Karnataka accounts for more than 25% of the cybercrimes reported in the entire country and therefore, newly appointed police personnel should be suitably trained and be well-versed in handling cybersecurity issues, said Alok Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Training, after the passing out parade of women constables at the Police Training School here on Friday.

Mr. Kumar said that there was a time when conventional crimes like looting, dacoity, gang fights, etc. used to account for a majority of the offences. But given the high level of digital awareness in the State and the corresponding increase in internet usage, a slew of digital frauds are being committed by miscreants, he stated. As a result, the State accounted for 25.76% of cybercrimes being reported in India, he added.

The incoming police have been trained to handle cybercrime cases, but they must keep themselves updated, Mr. Kumar said. Within the State, cybercrimes account for 10% of all the reported crimes, he said.

The ADGP said that as part of the policy of pursuing gender equality, future training programmes will be the same for both men and women police personnel, and the 9th batch of constable recruits who underwent training would be the last of its kind. In future, it will be a common basic training for all recruits, informed Mr. Kumar.

He said that there is a false perception in certain quarters that women police may not be suitable or cut out for tough tasks; however, the kind of training imparted in the institutes prepares them to handle any challenges. Women constables complete the 10 km run within the fixed duration; when it comes to non-combat areas, karate, SLR firing, or motorcycle driving, they are second to none, said Mr. Kumar.

The ADGP also said that family members of women police personnel will be imparted counselling to apprise them of the nature of the job which requires reporting at odd hours to handle any exigencies. This should not be construed otherwise by the family members resulting in domestic strife, he added.

M.S. Geetha, Principal, Police Training School, said that in all, 246 women were inducted as constables on the completion of their training. She mentioned that all the recruits have been trained as per the needs of the present and evolving times on various aspects of policing and crime, ranging from cybersecurity to rescuing women and children from trafficking. Apart from physical development and fitness, emphasis has also been given on psychological fitness, she said.

In the passing out parade, K.G. Pavithra was adjudged the all-round best trainee. Eight other recruits also received medals and awards for excelling under various categories. Senior police officials of the State and the city were present.