Hundreds join hands with Verna police to tackle drugs and crisis

Hundreds of children pledged to ensure their life shall be free of ‘

drugs

and crisis’ and also positively assist those around them in need. Verna Police Station lead by

Police

Inspector Sandesh Chodankar and Anish Quenim from the Verna Police Crocs and Cops

Community Policing

Unity, along with other Officers spent time with the Children of Father Agnels Multipurpose High School in Verna and Pope John XXIII High School in Quepem spreading the awareness and also talking about the children’s vulnerability to possible crime and

crisis

.

PI Sandesh Chodankar says, “Drug awareness is necessary so that young children knows the ill effects of narcotic drugs on their brain. It is necessary that they should be educated to identify the drugs and avoid taking it. They further create awareness in their friends circle, among relatives, parents and others, thus they cannot be lured into it unknowingly by spiking the drinks. Our main aim is to cut the demand so that supply is affected. We will also be able to collect intelligence about drugs from young minds.”

Anish adds, “Grass roots policing isn’t it. Educating them of the dangers prior thus they possibly stay away from it is important. More importantly, this truly allows us to build a rapport with the children and we have seen proactive reporting happen by the dozens already.”

This session helped students see the friendly nature of the cops and realise they are here to support them. “The students were glued to their seat with great interest and sort answers to their queries,” says Shilpa Sampson e Silveira, trained undergraduate teacher from FrAgnel Multipurpose High School, Verna. Fr Manuel Vaz, Headmaster, Pope John XXIII High School, Quepem says, "The session for the students was interactive and conducted in a very friendly manner. This made the students see the police not someone to be feared but as someone they can approach with trust.”

Shreya Talekar, a student says, “It was an extremely awesome talk. We came to know about drugs and possible crimes that could happen to us or with us. It was very informative and useful and we are very thankful for the guidance and rapport built between us and the Verna Police.” Another student, Vanida adds, “I really liked the talk and was glad to be a part.” Shreyas Travasso, student, says, “During the talk I immediately realised that I was going to learn something new today from some great gentlemen. When they started of and added the excellent delivery with all the humour we immediately connected with them and loved it. The way they taught us was really great.”