Monday Mirchi : Specially equipped for the differently abled

Many police stations across the country unabashedly refuse to file FIR if the offence alleged by the complainant has taken place in the jurisdiction of another PS that could be a few blocks away. In a refreshing trend, the Visakhapatnam City Police have launched the Disha Divyang Suraksha (DDS) programme, heralding inclusive policing practices and gaining nationwide recognition. DDS seeks to bridge the communication gap between law enforcement and individuals with disabilities, including the visually challenged as well as speech- and hearing-impaired communities. The programme offers them accessible reporting mechanisms, including Braille script books and video-recording of complaints made by the hearing- and speech-impaired.