Kerala launches My Police Station project to enhance citizen-friendly services

Kerala’s Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan officially launched the ‘My Police Station’ initiative on August 14, 2026, at the Peroorkada police station in Thiruvananthapuram. The project aims to transform police stations into accessible and citizen-friendly service centers. Speaking during the state-level launch, Satheesan emphasized the importance of positioning the police as a supportive entity for the public while maintaining their role as a deterrent against crime. He highlighted the evolving nature of criminal activities, noting the increasing prevalence of cybercrime, drug offenses, and technology-driven crimes. To combat these challenges, Satheesan called for the police to adopt modern technologies and investigative methods. Satheesan underscored the necessity of courteous treatment for individuals visiting police stations, especially women, children, and the elderly. He urged police personnel to receive visitors with dignity and compassion, reinforcing the idea that police stations should be perceived as community resources rather than solely places for dealing with legal issues. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to make public service more inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse populations. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala delivered the presidential address at the event, outlining plans to convert all 484 police stations in the state into welcoming and citizen-oriented institutions. He noted that police stations should function similarly to local governance bodies such as panchayats, offering assistance to the public. Chennithala announced organizational reforms intended to increase the responsiveness of the police force. These included granting Sub-Inspectors greater operational authority by appointing them as Station House Officers (SHOs), while Circle Inspectors would oversee selected stations. Under this proposal, 63 police stations would have women serving as SHOs. Chennithala also mentioned that senior police officials would be required to conduct regular visits to police stations and submit reports to identify areas needing improvement. Emphasizing adherence to legal protections and Supreme Court guidelines regarding arrests and custody, he highlighted the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations, including lockups, to prevent custodial violence and deaths. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh, State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar, Home Secretary Minhaj Alam, and others attended the event. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort involving multiple departments and officials to implement the new initiatives effectively. The Kerala government has initiated a significant overhaul of the SHO system in police stations. This includes reinstating the Sub-Inspector-led SHO model in regular police stations, while retaining Inspector-level SHOs only in strategically important locations. Out of the 484 law-and-order police stations, 63 key stations will maintain Circle Inspectors as SHOs. The previous system, introduced in 2017, had expanded the number of Inspector-led SHOs across the state. This change follows a comprehensive review conducted by a committee led by the Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters). The committee evaluated the deployment patterns, supervisory structures, operational needs, and administrative challenges related to the current system. Based on its findings, the committee recommended reverting to the Sub-Inspector SHO model, citing benefits such as enhanced supervisory mechanisms, better professional development for direct recruit Sub-Inspectors, faster resolution of public grievances, more efficient utilization of Inspectors, increased focus on serious crimes, improved career progression, and reduced organizational stress within the police force. As part of the restructuring, 203 surplus Inspector posts will be reallocated to specialized policing units. These include Cyber Police stations in Kochi and Kozhikode, District Headquarters, District Crime Records Bureaus, District Crime Branches, District Special Branches, District Narcotic Cells, the Anti-Terrorism Squad, State Crime Branch, Anti-Narcotic Task Force, Economic Offences Wing, Social Policing Directorate, Traffic, senior police offices, State Special Branch, and the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. To facilitate a smooth transition, the State Police Chief proposed a two-month period for completing necessary training and infrastructure adjustments. Sub-Inspectors designated as SHOs will participate in a two-week refresher training program, and SHOs will be issued appropriate identification badges. Additional Sub-Inspectors or Assistant Sub-Inspectors will lead the law and order, crime, and prosecution wings in police stations. District Police Chiefs have been instructed to accommodate Circle Inspectors within existing police infrastructure. The government has also specified arrangements for Vanitha Police Stations located in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad, and Kasaragod. If a Woman Inspector is assigned to these stations, she will serve as the SHO. In cases where a Woman Inspector is unavailable, a Woman Sub-Inspector will assume the role of SHO. These provisions aim to ensure gender inclusivity and effective leadership within the police framework.