Citizens Police partnership has helped in prevention of crime ; claims DCP Pournima Gaikwad

Indian woman are gradually breaking the gender-barrier and have registered a strong presence in several fields. They have excelled even as power and opportunities have been unequally distributed based on gender. Today, the Indian Police Services too has several women officers who have made us proud of their work. 

Alumni of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone 3, Purnima Gaikwad shares her life story with Chaitraly Deshmukh, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. 

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Serving in the Police department for the last two decades, she now works as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) in Pune City police. The jurisdiction covers six police stations which consists of Kothrud, Sinhagad road, Warje Malwadi, Uttamnagar, Sinhagad road, Dattawadi and Alankar. 

DCP Pournima Gaikwad has served in various cities such as Amravati, Buldana, Aurangabad, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). She is considered as an Iron lady in her department, because of her sincere work and inspiring personality and community oriented initiatives which have helped in prevention of crime. 

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DCP Gaikwad has been inspired by her father who was an IPS officer. Her pillar of strength is her mother and brother. Her husband is also an IRS officer. 

When asked about her role as a women police officer she stated, “Our uniform has a special corner in our heart, so is our mother nature. The bond is so strong. I am lucky to be a part of the Police force wherein I am able to help people in need. Post selection and during our training I remember we were only three women officers. We never faced any discrimination being women. Infact we managed to complete all difficult physical tasks with ease. And even in our duty I assume women play a huge role while handling the crime incidents. And when it comes to knowing that a woman is handling the crime, the people’s approach change and trust in the law and police grows further.” 

When asked about police jurisdiction that she covers and challenges she replied, “The challenges are never ending. We must only know how to adapt and handle the situation in such a sensitive situation. Managing in limited manpower, encouraging the staff, the socio-eco crime and cruelty or brutality seen is different. We have managed to observe and handle them in sensitivity. I am emphasizing on my staff training and various orientation programs like soft skills, English skill program, psychology and other refreshment courses.”

When asked about atrocities on women, “It takes time for women to come up and make up their mind to take steps against the atrocities that she faces. She is still under fear or insecurity about losing her dear ones, sometimes it is seen that she is so talented but still tries to be dependent on her person who is making her a victim as well as social stigma. I appeal that women must stand up for themselves and approach the police.”

When asked about initiative for citizens, DCP Pournima Gaikwad said, “Citizen-Police partnership is the best mechanism to curb and monitor the jurisdiction. I am working on it and have developed a comprehensive model of the same. As well as we know our children are our future. Juvenile conflict with law (Juvenile crime) is a major issue and we have set up a child friendly area in our jurisdiction where we are trying to eradicate the criminal in them and also ensure that children must not be used as puppets.”

While concluding, Pournima shares that people should trust in police and approach us for any help. She says, “We are always available to help you in your tough times.”