Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)

Mangalore, Sep 13: "Sometimes when a crime happens, there will be eyewitnesses at the crime scene. Their assistance will provide us with more clues to catch criminals and help solve crimes faster. If they do not give information then it is double work for us, as cops have to seek the help of other agencies like the forensic department," said R Hitendra, commissioner of police, Mangalore city.

He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating a one-day seminar on 'Public Participation in the Prevention and Detection of Crime' here on Saturday September 13, at Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work, Mangalore. The seminar was organized by the College in collaboration with the Mangalore commissionerate.

He said, "Police are the ones who look after well-being of the society and sometimes they do require the help of the people. People who commit crime usually have a criminal background or they have been under various circumstances which force them to commit crimes. It is not possible for the police to look after each and everyone in the society, hence greater public participation is required."

He further added, "In some cases, we do not get fingerprints or footprints, so such cases will take time to solve. In other countries like America and Britain, they have DNA tracing system which allows them to catch criminals easily. But here in India the DNA tracing system is yet to start. This system will be helpful for us to keep the society safe from any kind of danger."

He also briefed about a shootout case and said, "In a shootout case, we investigate the shooting range between the gunman and the person who is shot at. Even the wound on the person is measured to know that how deep the bullet has entered into the body."

Director of School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya Dr Philomena D'Souza, said, "When crime happens, we tend to blame the police or the government. But we have to blame ourselves for not helping them. Even the police are people like us. As people of the society we have to respect others. When a person is in utter poverty, his mind becomes violent and he tries to steal other's belongings. We have more responsibility than the cops."

In her presidential speeech, principal of the College Dr Sophia N Fernandes said that prevention of crime is every person's responsibility. "Public participation in preventing crime creates a positive environment in the society. Quality child care reduces chances of crime. All the educational institutions should provide a strong foundation to the children. Children are the future of our nation." she added.

Prior to the seminar, the criminology department of Roshni Nilaya and Father Muller Medical College organised 'Forensic Exhibition-2014' which was inaugurated by the commissioneer of police R Hitendra.

B Ashoka, professor of criminology and forensic science briefed about the seminar and also welcomed the guests. Anupama proposed the vote of thanks.

Resource persons Dr Deepak Raj Rao, forensic scientist from Bangalore, Tilak Chandra, ACP, Central Mangalore, and Vineetha K, professor of social work, Prof B M Madhav, J G Gonsalves, ACPs and DCPs and lecturers from various colleges were also present on the occasion.