‘Singappen’ STF to roll out across TN from today, 70 units to begin operations in first phase
Chennai, June 10 (IANS) In a major initiative aimed at strengthening the safety and security of women and children, the Tamil Nadu government will launch the first phase of the newly formed ‘Singappen’ Special Task Force across the state on Wednesday.
The specialised all-women policing unit, introduced by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, is planned to be expanded into 270 units across Tamil Nadu in a phased manner.
As part of the initial rollout, 70 Singappen units will become operational across the state. Every district will have at least one dedicated Singappen unit, while Chennai, owing to its size and population, will have 12 units deployed at strategic locations.
The Greater Chennai Police limits will witness the largest concentration of the new force. Four Singappen units each will be stationed under the Tambaram and Avadi Police Commissionerates.
Other police commissionerates across Tamil Nadu will have two units each to ensure wider coverage and quicker response to incidents involving women and children.
Each Singappen unit will initially comprise two women Sub-Inspectors and a woman police constable who will carry out patrol duties.
To operationalise the force, the Police Department has specially selected 140 women Sub-Inspectors and 420 women police personnel from across the state. Officials said the units would function around the clock on a rotational basis, ensuring a continuous police presence and rapid response capability.
The Singappen Special Task Force will be staffed primarily by women police personnel. Male police officers may assist in support functions such as driving vehicles and providing logistical support when required.
The state government is also planning to establish dedicated communication channels to make the service easily accessible to women. Special WhatsApp groups and mobile phone numbers linked to the Singappen units will be announced shortly, enabling women to seek assistance directly.
Until then, members of the public, particularly women facing emergencies, have been advised to contact the police emergency control room through the helpline number 100.
To support the functioning of the new force, the government has approved the procurement of a dedicated fleet of vehicles. A total of 319 four-wheelers and 101 two-wheelers will be purchased exclusively for the use of the Singappen Special Task Force. Police officials said the initiative is expected to enhance preventive policing, improve response times and strengthen public confidence by providing a dedicated women-led security network across Tamil Nadu. The government has described the programme as a key component of its broader efforts to create a safer environment for women and children across the state.
–IANS
aal/vd
