THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The main reason for the low conviction rate for violence against women and children, was because of the police ignorance of law, said IG (Intelligence) of Lucknow, Tilotam Verma.
Speaking at a national conference for women police here on Friday, Ms Verma said though the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and other related laws had foolproof procedures in dealing with sexual offence cases, many police officials were ignorant of the provisions in these laws.
"From my 24 years of experience, I would say that we are failing in our duties. Only if police officials are very well aware of laws can we prepare foolproof FIRs and take cases to their logical conclusion", said Verma, a recipient of the President's medal for bravery.
Talking on “Responding to victims of crime”, she said it was mandatory to videograph sexual office victims' statements and a child's statement should be recorded only in a child-friendly atmosphere. “But these nitty-gritty procedures are often ignored.
The conviction rate is low as we lose out on procedures”, she said. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who spoke at the valedictory function of the two-day event said steps would be taken to enhance women’s representation in the police force as it would help the public to have more confidence in the police.
