Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI; Enhancing Prosecution with Compassion” a training program for police officers was organized by Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) Goa & the Victim Assistance Unit for the State in collaboration with the Office of the Superintendent of Police, North Goa.
In the inaugural session,Arun Balgotra, IPS, encouraged the participants to focus on child and gender rights within our family, community and society.
Dr. Andre Fernandes, Head of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Dept., Goa Medical College emphasized the role of investigating officers and the important role played by women police.
He emphasised the need for more women officers to work in police stations on cases of child abuse rather than taking side branch postings.
Judge Shabnam Shaikh, Member Secretary, Goa Legal Services Authority, the Chief Guest highlighted the need for compassionate and supportive police personnel at every stage in the process of justice for victims.
She recommended the necessity for police to be aware of helplines for safeguarding rights of children and collaborative efforts with other child protection providers.
The Poster Ready Reckoner by SCAN-Goa was released during this function. Adv. Emidio Pinho, explained how it would facilitate reporting cases of child abuse and would be made available to all police stations across North-Goa.
Archana Bhobe, Public Prosecutor, POCSO Special Court, explained significant sections of the BNS Act 2023, Goa Children’s Act 2003, the issues faced by Public Prosecutors and best practices. She focused on the importance of training of police officers to be sensitive and diligent in their role in the journey for justice.
Adv. Chandan Shirodkar, Member CWC, North Goa detailed the role and responsibilities of police in cases related to POCSO Act 2012 and the JJ Act 2015. He guided the participants to reflect on how these legislations could relate to their lives.
PI Rajesh Job had an interactive session on cybercrime related to children and women and advised officers to be alert about the prevalent modus operandi in digital crime.
Deepika Tiwari, Scientific Officer, DNA FSL, Verna spoke on the issues faced by the forensic laboratory with incorrect practices in evidence collection. She advised on precautions to be taken with practical tips and guidelines during an investigation.
Murari Shetye, Senior Assistant Editor, Times of India, recommended that police officers give victims a patient hearing, discern genuine cases, and strive to carry out speedy and thorough investigations with the extensive media and devices available to them.
50 police personnel attended the training program. They were given Certificates of Participation and mementos were presented to the resource persons. Over the last two months, 110 police officers of PSI and LPSI rank were trained on the above topic.
