Special teams under Singappen scheme begin patrolling in Vellore, nearby districts

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Superintendent of Police N.U. Sivaraman seen with special teams under Singappen Special Force (SSF) at the District Police Headquarters in Vellore on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

More than 150 ‘hot spots’ have been identified by the police in Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts where the newly-formed special teams under Singappen Special Force (SSF) commenced patrolling on Wednesday.

The patrolling on wheels comes after Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated the scheme at a function in Chennai on Tuesday. The scheme is aimed at improving the safety of women and children across the State. The teams under the scheme will also act as rapid response force to distress calls. “Initially, the special force team will patrol in two shifts, covering hilly areas and plains. The shift timings will be between 7 a.m. and noon; noon and 12 a.m.,” Tirupattur Superintendent of Police Akshay Anil Wakhare told The Hindu.

Police sources said that the hotspots identified were those locations where crime against women and children have been reported earlier. These vulnerable spots were shortlisted based on inputs by respective police stations and intelligence units in the districts.

Alongside, the team will also patrol key public places, like bus terminus, railway stations, educational institutions, parks, tourist spots like Vellore fort complex, hostels for women in these districts. Each district, on an average, has at least two special force teams. Led by a sub-inspector, the team will comprise of three women constables and a driver.

Police sources said that the team members have been provided with walkie-talkies, body cams for real-time coordination, and advanced surveillance drones. The teams will be coordinated by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at the District Police headquarters to report any crime against women, including stalking and harassment.

The district police said that among these districts, Tiruvannamalai has the highest number