Orientation to cops on how to deal with juveniles

Director of the programme, Andrew Sesuraj who is also an Assistant Professor in Loyola College, has kicked off the campaign by launching flow charts and posters that explain aspects such as needs of juveniles, dealing with them and their rights when they are in conflict with law. “We recently held the campaign in Salem, where 250 policemen in the ranks of Head Constable to Deputy Superintendent of Police attending the training session,” said Andrew. 

“The law is clear on the rights of a child when he is in conflict with law. Every police station must have a Child Welfare Police Officer (CWCPO) who must be working and interacting with children. He must belong to the rank of sub-inspector and must not be in uniform. And there must be a Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU),” he said, adding that “All this is written in paper but even the officers concerned are not aware of their responsibilities.” 

However, the police department remaining understaffed is cited as one of the reasons for incidents of juveniles being treated unfairly is reported. Criminologist Michael L Valan said, “There are two types of children, one who are in a conflict with law and the other who need care and protection. CWCPO addresses needs of children who are destitute or from a broken home, while the SJPU produces the delinquent before a Juvenile Justice Board.”