Bengaluru: The City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda, joined by a team of dedicated police officers, has undertaken an initiative to prioritise the safety of women. Taking a unique approach, they have taken to the streets of Bengaluru aboard the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses, engaging with female passengers and fostering awareness regarding their security.
Commissioner B. Dayananda, emphasising the commitment of the Bengaluru City Police to safeguarding women, took to Twitter to convey the significance of the endeavour. He stated, “Women safety is of utmost concern to Bengaluru City Police. Today all BCP officers travelled in BMTC buses and discussed with women travellers to understand their concerns. Also created awareness with them reg various measures taken by BCP reg women safety in the city.”
During their interactions, the police officers provided valuable briefings to female passengers, equipping them with essential knowledge on personal safety measures and empowering them with the means to reach out to the police in case of emergencies.
This initiative was further reinforced by the active participation of Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) from all eight divisions of Bengaluru, who engaged in meaningful conversations with women about safety in public spaces.
To ensure effective communication, the officers utilised megaphones to spread critical information to women, along with distributing informative pamphlets containing emergency contact details and other essential information. They encouraged women to utilise the emergency hotline number 112 during times of crisis and urged them to report incidents of cyber fraud by dialing 1930.
To bolster safety measures, Bengaluru police has established safety islands at 30 prominent locations throughout the city. These safety islands serve as a vital resource during emergencies, as women can activate the ’emergency button’ that promptly alerts the command centre. Following this, a Hoysala Patrol vehicle, known for its rapid response capabilities, is dispatched to the designated location to provide immediate assistance.
Additionally, Bengaluru proudly houses two dedicated women’s police stations, located in Shivajinagar and Basavanagudi. These specialised police stations cater exclusively to women and operate extended hours, from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, ensuring that women have access to law enforcement services whenever required.
In an effort to enhance accessibility and convenience, police officers encouraged women to download the official Karnataka State Police (KSP) mobile application, available on both Android and iOS platforms. The application serves as a valuable resource, providing women with essential tools and information at their fingertips. Furthermore, the officers shared a dedicated WhatsApp number, 9480801000, urging women to utilise this channel for prompt assistance.
These awareness campaigns have proven especially timely, given the increased number of women utilising government buses following the implementation of the free bus travel scheme by the Congress government.
By engaging with female passengers and empowering them with knowledge and resources, the police force aims to create a safer and more secure environment for all women in the city. These initiatives not only establish trust between law enforcement agencies and citizens but also instill a sense of empowerment, enabling women to confidently navigate their daily lives with peace of mind.