In an effort to enhance the safety of women and children, the Tamil Nadu government is set to introduce the ‘Singappen’ Special Task Force statewide. Spearheaded by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, this all-women policing unit will be rolled out in phases, with an initial deployment of 70 units.
The Singappen initiative aims to establish 270 units across Tamil Nadu, ensuring each district has a dedicated team. Notably, Chennai will host 12 units strategically positioned to cover the city effectively. The Greater Chennai Police will see a significant presence, with four units each under the Tambaram and Avadi Police Commissionerates.
To provide swift responses to incidents involving women and children, other police commissionerates in Tamil Nadu will also have two Singappen units each. Comprising two women Sub-Inspectors and a woman police constable, each unit will operate round the clock on rotational shifts, bolstering police presence and responsiveness.
The Singappen Special Task Force will predominantly consist of women police personnel, supported by male officers in auxiliary roles like driving and logistics. The government plans to establish dedicated communication channels, including WhatsApp groups and direct mobile numbers linked to Singappen units, to facilitate easy access for women seeking assistance.
To further empower the force, the government has sanctioned the procurement of 319 four-wheelers and 101 two-wheelers exclusively for the Singappen Special Task Force. This initiative is expected to strengthen preventive policing, reduce response times, and instill public trust by establishing a women-led security network across the state, aligning with the government’s broader goal of creating a safer environment for women and children.
