Superintendent of Police (SP) P. Jagadeesh said that the police department would be providing a list of individuals who have been previously booked under POCSO cases to the management of schools and colleges. He urged them not to hire such individuals in their institutions.

Ahead of the reopening of educational institutions, the SP held a review meeting with the managements and principals of schools and colleges across the district. He issued guidelines regarding student safety, preventive measures against substance abuse among students and youth, women’s safety, as well as the ‘Operation Safe Campus’ initiative.

“If there are any suspicions regarding the conduct of security guards, drivers, or other staff members in educational institutions, their details should be shared with the police for thorough verification,” he said. The SP also urged the managements to maintain vigil over school and college bus drivers and ensure that they do not drive vehicles under the influence of alcohol.

Mr. Jagadeesh emphasised the need for constant vigilance to ensure that students do not fall prey to addictions like cannabis and drugs. “It is mandatory to install CCTV cameras to monitor the surroundings of educational institutions and prevent anti-social activities and incidents of eve-teasing,” he said.

He urged the formation of ‘Eagle Clubs’ within educational institutions and assured that the police department would provide them with special training. “The Eagle Wing, local police, and women police personnel will educate female students about the concepts of good and bad touch. Additionally, members of the Shakti team will regularly visit campuses to conduct seminars on women’s safety,” he said.

The SP stressed that students should be taught moral values alongside academic excellence and talent development. Students who show signs of any misconduct should be provided specialised counselling by qualified professionals, he added.

Mr. Jagadeesh also stressed on the implementation of ‘Operation Safe Campus’ and added that strict action will be taken against individuals whose behaviour compromises the safety of students. Educational managements must immediately report any information, however minor or suspicious, by dialling 100/112 or contacting the local police, he said.