Bhubaneswar: The 71st Odisha State Police Duty Meet, which was underway for the past three days at Reserve Police Ground, Buxi Bazar in Cuttack, concluded on Friday.
Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan attended as chief guest, took salute at a grand parade and felicitated the winners.
In his address, Minister Harichandan said the Duty Meet boosts self-confidence of police personnel, sharpens their skills and motivates them to perform better. Recognition of hard work makes employees work with double enthusiasm, he said, adding that the service, sacrifice and dedication of police personnel who give top priority to public safety even in adverse situations, away from their families, is always commendable.
Noting that the nature and methods of crime are changing with society, the Minister said police have to work with modern technology, professional skills and strong morale to face challenges like cyber crime, financial fraud, organised crime and drug smuggling. In this regard, the role of Odisha Police and Crime Branch is very important, he said, seeking everyone’s active cooperation towards building a drug-free, crime-free and safe Odisha.
Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra said the Police Duty Meet is not just a competition, but a platform to improve skills of police officers and personnel and enhance investigation standards. Application of scientific investigation, forensic science and modern technology can help identify criminals and increase conviction rate, he said.
This year, 319 competitors from the rank of constable to inspector from different districts and police establishments participated. Competitions were organised on various subjects including forensic science, forensic medicine and toxicology, fingerprinting, photography, computer awareness, cyber crime and technical investigation, criminal law and procedure, crime scene investigation and evidence collection, packing and forwarding.
A team of Odisha Police comprising best performers will participate in the All India Police Duty Meet. The DGP said police will have to become more proficient in modern technology and scientific investigation methods to combat cybercrime, drug smuggling, organised crime and other complex crimes.
Collection of accurate evidence from the scene and its scientific analysis strengthens the justice delivery process, he said, adding that improved investigation methods and professional skills are important in sensitive cases related to women and children, especially POCSO cases.
To improve quality of investigation, the Crime Branch has organised training camps and workshops, and new training modules will be prepared to further expand the programme in coming days, the DGP informed. IGP (Crime Branch) Dr Sarthak Sarangi proposed the vote of thanks. Senior police officers and retired officers were present on the occasion.
