Schools in Kozhikode step up security with strengthened SPG network

The functioning of school protection groups (SPGs) in Kozhikode city has been reinforced as part of intensified surveillance against anti-social elements and drug peddlers near educational institutions. Coordinators from 173 schools will directly oversee the initiative, launched by the social policing division of the Kozhikode City police in 2011 as a first line of defence.

“We recently held a district-level meeting of all SPG coordinators to explain the reasons behind the intensified monitoring measures. With the strengthening of SPGs in the 173 schools, we will be able to add an extra layer of security for our students,” says U.P. Umesh, Assistant Sub-Inspector and district coordinator of the project. He adds that the initiative is now active in all government, aided, unaided, and private schools, as per the instructions of the social policing division.

The SPGs, functioning under the heads of institutions, mainly comprise student representatives, parent-teacher association nominees, and community members from diverse sectors who can closely monitor student movements and those who frequently interact with them. Station House Officers will also review each group’s activities and issue necessary guidelines.

“The presence of community members such as auto-rickshaw drivers and headload workers makes SPGs a strong platform for the police to gather accurate information on student-related law and order issues. The initiative now covers students from Upper Primary to Higher Secondary levels,” says Mr. Umesh. He adds that all 17 police stations in Kozhikode city are working closely with the SPG units to ensure swift action.

SPG coordinators from various city schools confirm that more active members from diverse sectors will be inducted to ensure the full-fledged functioning of the groups, in line with the guidelines of the social policing division. As the initiative is part of a State-level police programme for students, the Department of Education is also keen on monitoring its implementation and outcomes at the school level, they add.