From a time when the Covid-19 cases in the country were significantly low, to the time it touched its peak, the police forces worked relentlessly in the service of the nation, maintaining law and order. They are the ones who risked their own lives for ensuring the safety of thousands of Indian civilians.
But, this time, unlike ever before the police forces have not to face bullets or bombs, but an invisible and seemingly invincible enemy; the Covid-19 epidemic.
With every new phase of the spread of the deadly virus, a new challenge came forth the police forces. The lockdown came with the challenge to educate citizens to stay home in order to stay safe.
From maintaining law and order situation by manning check-points to providing security at hospitals, vaccination centres and containment zones, to coming to people’s rescue, and calming the nerves of those frightened and in need, our police performed their duties to the best of their capabilities with utmost grit and dedication.
Maintaining law and order
The police forces have been trained to keep law and order situation in the country intact, but keeping law and order in place during a pandemic came forth as a novel challenge. In addition to their routine duties, they were endowed with the responsibility of handling the Covid-19 situation in the country.
The pandemic also saw an increase in cases of robbery, domestic violence, and other such crimes. However, the police forces remained available during this time to address these situations. According to the home ministry officials, 52 helpline numbers were set up the previous year for women who could not go out to lodge a complaint against their abuser.
In addition to this, they also managed the pandemic by keeping a check on people flouting lockdown rules. Police forces in several states also distributed pamphlets and ran campaigns to make use of public addressable systems.
The police forces not only infused a sense of discipline but also gave a sense of security to civilians during these unprecedented times.
Got infected, lost lives yet continued to serve the country
While serving their duty, several policemen got infected with the virus and in the process lost their lives. They also risked the safety of their family members by being on road every day. APS Ronbir Shormah, CCVDO, Assam Police lost his life to Covid on May 10, 2021. Similarly, many police officers and constables lost their lives while serving the country.
According to media reports, last September, in Maharashtra, around 669 policemen were infected with coronavirus in a span of two days. Despite the risk policemen are exposed to, they continued to serve the country.
Creating awareness through creativity
Policemen across the country switched to a lighter and more creative ways to make people aware to stay at home during the lockdown.
For instance, Punjab police sub-inspector Baljinder Singh released a music video to emphasise precautionary measures. Similarly, Mumbai police used jokes and tweets to create awareness among people.
Extra mile for the needy
There have been several reports about policemen going an extra mile for those in distress. From visiting the elderly with birthday cakes to arranging ambulances for patients, the men in uniform did not leave any stone unturned. Thiruvananthapuram’s sub-inspector Subramaniyan Potty S, despite a busy schedule, has been taking out time to feed stray animals during the lockdown period.
Policemen have been available in these times of distress and putting people ahead of themselves. They sacrificed their comfort in performing their duties at the frontline, donning a smile.
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