The State Government has issued an order for the formation of the ‘Singappen’ Special Task Force, equipped with modern facilities, to improve women’s safety.

Immediately after being sworn in on Sunday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said: “To enhance the safety of women, a Special Task Force will be created with prevention and protection strategies as its primary and sole objective. The force will undertake visible policing measures to instill confidence among women and provide assistance to women in distress. This Special Task Force will be established across the State with adequate personnel and modern facilities.”

Following the Chief Minister’s announcement, Director General of Police and Head of Police Force Sandeep Rai Rathore, in a letter, sought the issuance of orders regarding the formation of the ‘Singappen’ Special Task Force to improve women’s safety.

Various functions

The Government Order stated that the functions of the Singappen Special Task Force included identifying and monitoring locations prone to crime, increasing surveillance and police visibility in public places, conducting patrols to prevent crimes, and creating a safe environment for women in public spaces.

The force will maintain a visible presence in crowded and sensitive areas, including bus stands, railway stations, educational institutions, and IT corridors, to prevent unlawful activities.

Other functions include taking prompt and appropriate action on complaints; rescuing victims, ensuring their safety and well-being, and providing timely assistance such as facilitating other support services; and coordinating with departments such as Social Welfare and Education, as well as non-governmental organisations, to create awareness and involve various sections of society in efforts to improve women’s safety.

The government has examined the DGP’s proposal and ordered the creation of the ‘Singappen’ Special Task Force with prevention and protection strategies as its sole objective to improve women’s safety.

A senior police officer told The Hindu, “The process for forming the special force is under way. As a first phase, administrative sanction has been accorded for posts at the Police Headquarters. The ‘Singappen’ Special Task Force will function under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister. A new post of Inspector General of Police for the special task force will be created, and an SP-rank officer will be redeployed to the newly created post.”

Discussions under way

Discussions are also under way as to whether the personnel will have separate uniform and whether fresh recruitment to the posts will be undertaken or existing personnel will be redeployed.