Bobbies on the beat

Pages: 713-715
Ann Hormis Tharakan (Department of School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore )
Sandra Sunitha Lobo (Department of Psychology, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore )

The public’s knowledge about policing is varied and inconsistent and there exists a need for more visible, accessible and responsive policing by the men in uniform to carry out their duties with regard to patrolling. A review of literature indicates lack of research in the Indian context. A qualitative approach was employed to bring to light the aspects of beat system. Narratives were used to draw analysis. Focus group discussion (FGD) was done on a sample of 7 officers who were willing 2 females and 5 males of age groups ranging from 25 to 40 years. This FGD explored the difficulties faced during patrolling, its initiatives and community responsiveness. With the ‘pluralisation’ of policing, there needs to be a change in community partnerships to espouse the critical need for community engagement, active consultation and reassurance policing towards sustainable development.