The current policing systems in Kerala, and in India, developed nearly two centuries ago. We are now engaged in an earnest
endeavour to reform the systems and styles of policing in consonance with the democratic aspirations of the people and the
technological and social changes which have overtake us in recent times. Introducing people friendly policing initiatives in
the day-to-day functioning of Police is an abiding concern of the Government of Kerala. We have been in the forefront of
introducing several initiatives like the State Security Commission of which the Leader of the Opposition is a member, Tenure
systems for officers at critical levels, Police Complaints Authorities at the State and District levels, Police Establishment
Boards and separation of Investigation from Law & Order tasks. These are path breaking initiatives taking place in Indian
Police as a whole. Along with these initiatives, action to recast the existing Police Act is under way and the same will be
finalized shortly. Apart from the above structural changes, we are now implementing a comprehensive Community Policing
Initiative, integrating the aspirations of the local community in the style and system of local policing. We believe that in the
emerging security scenario, Police efficacy will be set at naught if the community cannot be taken into confidence. Hon’ble
Justice K T Thomas who headed the Kerala Police Performance and Accountability Commission in 2004-05 had also
recommended the introduction of community policing. Hence we have done considerable introspection for a suitable model of
community policing which is suitable for the specific demands of Kerala. We placed a draft scheme before the
representatives of Political Parties, Leaders of Public Opinion, Social Activists, Media, Public Administrators and Police
Officers from across the country. Based on their perceptions and comments, we have modified the draft and are now getting
ready for the implementation of the Janamaithri Suraksha Project in a phased manner. I invite all my fellow-citizens to
support the Kerala Police in the implementation of the project and participate in this farsighted society-building programme.


Kodiyeri Balakrishnan
Minister for Home, Kerala