Bihar to Set Up Child Help Desks in All 1,377 Police Stations from October 2
Bihar will open Child Help Desks in all 1,377 police stations and outposts from October 2, with CWPOs managing them and DSP-rank officers monitoring.
The Bihar government has decided to set up Child Help Desks, also referred to as Child Corners, in all 1,377 police stations and outposts across the State, in a move aimed at curbing crimes against children.
The Police Headquarters issued directions to Superintendents of Police in every district on Thursday, asking them to establish the desks on October 2, the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Districts have been told to send compliance reports to the Weaker Section wing of the Crime Investigation Department by October 5.
Purpose of the desks
The initiative seeks not only to check the rising number of offences against children but also to give them a dedicated space where they can speak freely about their problems at a police station. Children will also be informed about laws concerning them, including the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The desks are meant to offer a safe, child-friendly environment.
The effort follows Section 8(5) of the Bihar Police Act, 2007, and guidelines issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
Location and staffing
Each desk will be set up at a spot within the police station premises that is clearly visible from outside, and will be kept entirely separate from the lock-up. The area will be designed to look distinct from the rest of the station and to be child-friendly.
The desk will function under the Child Welfare Police Officer of the police station. The CWPO's name, designation and mobile number, along with the name and mobile number of the District Child Protection Officer, will be displayed prominently at each centre.
Trained and efficient female police personnel will be posted at all police stations to handle issues involving girls and to communicate with them. The displayed numbers will remain active at all times so that complaints or requests for help from children, parents or guardians can be acted on immediately. Complaints are to be resolved within a fixed time-frame, with full details of their disposal entered in a register.
Supervision
Deputy Superintendent of Police rank officials will monitor the desks continuously. The Special Crime-cum-In-Charge of the Special Juvenile Police Unit and other senior district-level officers will also supervise them. The monitoring is intended to ensure sensitivity and effective policing in matters concerning children, with regular supervision and proper record-keeping.