Berhampur gets its 3rd child-friendly police station

Berhampur: Gosaninuagaon became the third child friendly police station in Berhampur police district, with a dedicated room with a special colourful drawings, animated murals, small library with cartoons and soft toys for children.Inspector general of police, southern range, Niti Sekhar inaugurated the child-friendly room on Wednesday evening, in the presence of SP (Berhampur) Saravana Vivek M. Earlier, the district police developed Mahila and Gopalpur police stations as child-friendly premises.“Any child while having any form of interaction with cops at police stations is entitled to an amiable environment and sensitive policing.

To this effect, child-friendly police stations (CFPS) have been set up by the government to provide dedicated spaces to children aimed to integrate a friendly ambience and a genial approach, enabling reporting without fear, discomfort, or confusion,” said SP (Berhampur).He said the child-friendly physical infrastructure has been integrated with strengthened capacities of the police personnel to ensure that the rights of children coming into the interface with police are to be protected.

A dedicated room with interior decoration has been designed for the children where they can enjoy while visiting the police station. The SP said besides being decorated with animated murals, they have developed a small library with cartoons and animated stories and soft toy zone for children. The room also has facilities for sitting with beds and chairs.A separate space to ensure privacy to mothers for breastfeeding has also been provided in the police station, he said.

“The aim is to take the fear of police out of children’s minds. It will provide a playful atmosphere to the children,” he added.The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the country’s apex child-protection body had recommended a child-friendly corner or room in all police stations. The room was set up as per the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and in accordance with the guidelines of the NCPCR, sources said.