Women’s safety needs preventive, sensitive and accountable policing, say experts

Former Karnataka Director General of Police Raghavendra H. Auradkar emphasized the need for sensitive and preventive policing during the third edition of the National Women’s Conference on Safety and Security 2026 in Bengaluru. He believes that women police personnel, ranging from constables to inspectors, serve as the "last-mile link" between the police force and the public.

To build a more effective policing system, Auradkar stressed the importance of addressing workplace concerns for these women officers. Key areas he highlighted included dedicated restrooms, safe transportation for night shift workers, access to mental health counsellors, regular health check-ups, and stronger mechanisms to tackle sexual harassment.

Auradkar called for a shift from reactive policing to preventive safety measures, such as conducting regular safety audits in public spaces, transportation, educational institutions, and workplaces. He also suggested adopting an integrated women's safety model like Telangana Police's Bharosa initiative, which provides multiple support services under one roof.

The conference, themed "Gandhiji Revisited: Women’s Safety & Security in Free India – Deepening Sensitivities," aims to deepen sensitivities surrounding women’s safety and security. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh acknowledged the city police's existing welfare measures, such as mental health counselling, mobile toilets, and regular health check-ups for personnel. However, he noted that the remaining issues raised at the conference would also be examined.