Delhi Police create committees to combat juvenile crime

Delhi Police have created committees to address crime and youth delinquency in slum areas known as JJ clusters. The goal is to identify young people who might become involved in crimes. This comes after the police commissioner highlighted issues linked to poverty and lack of education that push youth into criminal activities. In an order issued on March 10, Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora noted that many families in these clusters view the police as a disruptive force rather than protectors. This distrust hampers the police's ability to stop crime effectively. He pointed out that economic struggles and lack of opportunities often lead young boys into crimes, ranging from minor thefts to more serious offenses. Each committee will have an inspector as chair and will include locals, police staff, and members of community associations. The committees can have up to 12 members. They will be responsible for tracking criminal activities like drug dealing and gambling, identifying at-risk youth, and helping with police patrols. The committees are also tasked with improving education for school drop-outs and locating areas where crime is prevalent. They will help ensure that CCTV cameras work and address other community needs. DCPs are to identify two JJ clusters per district, form the committees, and monitor their effectiveness for three months. The police commissioner stressed the importance of following up on committee discussions and taking prompt action on their recommendations. He encouraged officers to interact with residents in a friendly manner to build trust and confidence in law enforcement.