Tag: Community Policing

Human Interest

Calangute Police Station Named Best Police Station in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Calangute Police Station was awarded the Best Police Station in Goa on Sunday, receiving an official trophy in recognition of its exemplary performance, efficient policing, and dedicated public service. The honour highlights the station’s consistent commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety in one of the state’s most active and high-footfall tourist regions.

The award was accepted by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Vishwesh Karpe, Calangute Police Inspector Paresh Naik, along with the entire staff of Calangute Police Station. Their collective efforts have been instrumental in effective crime prevention, swift response to incidents, and proactive community engagement.

Serving a region that attracts thousands of tourists daily, the Calangute police team has demonstrated professionalism and preparedness in addressing diverse challenges, balancing tourism-related demands with the safety and security of local residents. The station’s emphasis on community-oriented policing has further strengthened public trust and cooperation.

This recognition stands as a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and disciplined approach of the Calangute police personnel, whose sustained efforts continue to play a vital role in ensuring a safe, secure, and orderly environment for both residents and visitors to Goa.

TechPulse

Social Media Has Replaced the Traditional Police Khabri, Says SP Sunita Sawant

allycaralgoa

Panaji, November 2025 — In a thought-provoking address delivered at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias’ centenary lecture series, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sunita Sawant highlighted how the landscape of information and policing has radically shifted with the rise of social media. Once reliant on the quiet but steady presence of the khabri—the traditional informer sitting at village corners—police forces now face an overwhelming tide of digital information, much of it unverified and potentially dangerous.

“Earlier, a khabri was someone who observed community life closely—who arrived, who left, what changed,” Sawant said during her lecture titled ‘Police and Public: Expectations and Responsibilities’. “This information was discreet, dependable, and responsibly shared. Today, social media has taken over that role, but without the filters of verification or accountability.”

She warned that rumours and misinformed posts can quickly escalate into aggressive behaviour and law-and-order disruptions, making responsible digital behaviour crucial.

Despite this shift, Sawant stressed that trust between the public and police remains the backbone of effective policing. “Safety doesn’t come from enforcement alone. It comes when people share vigilance and civic responsibility. Public cooperation prevents crimes even before they occur.”

Policing as a Human Service

Sawant shared two emotional cases that shaped her approach to policing—Goa’s first human trafficking case, in which she helped secure convictions across India and Bangladesh, and a missing student she supported who later called her for blessings before her wedding.

“These moments remind us that policing is not paperwork. We are counsellors, guardians, protectors. Compassion saves futures,” she said.

Modern, Future-Ready Policing

Sawant highlighted several initiatives being strengthened within the Goa Police:

  • Commando and anti-terror training
  • Disaster response readiness
  • Upgraded investigation protocols
  • Digital community outreach through YouTube & WhatsApp

“Modern policing anticipates risk,” she noted. “We must adapt to social change and support communities long before wrongdoing occurs.”

The lecture underscored a powerful message: policing is evolving, but community trust, cooperation and responsible information-sharing remain essential pillars of public safety.