Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan
Despite the ideological or political differences everybody agrees to the fact that our police force has undergone radical changes in your tenure as the Home Minister. The progress you have achieved is really commendable. I mentioned this some two years back while welcoming you on an Islamic Conference at Markaz.
I appreciate the friendly approach your ministry has been trying to bring in our police station throughout the state. I was overwhelmed to experience the difference at my local police station (Chevayur) and the City Commissioner's office at Calicut when I approached them for a PCC last year. It was in a sheer contrast to the attitude they had some 5 years back when I had dropped in there on a similar mission. The constable at the door of the Commissioner's office did not even let me see the commissioner and was talking to me in the presence of my wife in a classical Kerala police abusive language. He made me come back more than 4 times and treated me like garbage!! The fourth time one of the clerks (thank God, not in police uniform) downstairs told me to meet the Commissioner outside on his way to the office and talk to him in English. And I met him at the staircase and he instantly advised the office to issue the certificate (One of the many occasions I realized that English has some magical privileges over our first language). The so-called sentry cop was standing by in salute mode. When the commissioner went inside the constable was so angry at me that he started using fowl language… one of the dirtiest faces I ever remember! When I visited the same office last year there was a reception counter with a smiling lady constable who asked me with the unbelievable ‘How can I help you, sir?’ This is wonderful, Mr. Kodiyeri!
However, there is room for a lot of improvement. I know it is not that easy, especially to change the culture of police force overnight. Here in Australia, we have one of the best police force. Australian Federal Police (AFB) is world-class. As a community leader here in Brisbane, I work closely with the Community Liaison Officer of Queensland police and it is amazing to see them liaisoning with the communities. They visit our schools to interact with the students. I have been to most of the Middle East countries, and Asian capitals like Singapore, Bangkok, etc. There is a lot we need to learn from others.
Wish you all the best!
