Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police Women and Child Crime Prevention Wing, in collaboration with UNICEF, on Friday organised “Juventica – Police Awareness and Engagement Program with Adolescents” at the Police Seva Bhavan here to strengthen engagement between police and adolescents and promote child-friendly policing across the state.
Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania inaugurated the programme as chief guest and said the initiative aims to make the police system more accessible, secure and friendly for children and adolescents.
According to officials, more than 15,000 adolescents from around 555 police stations across Odisha participated in the programme. Members of Advika Clubs, Anganwadi workers and para legal volunteers also joined the initiative.
Addressing the participants, the DGP expressed concern over excessive exposure of adolescents to negative content on social media and advised them to focus on educational and positive content to build a better future.
Khurania said adolescents are increasingly becoming victims of cybercrime and various social challenges, often leading to mental stress. He stressed the need for moral education, emotional support and proper guidance for young people, adding that families and society must listen carefully to their concerns.
Describing the initiative as an important step towards strengthening trust and cooperation between youth and the police, the DGP urged adolescents to approach the police without fear and share their problems freely.
He also appealed to police personnel to develop better relationships with adolescents and become more sensitive and responsive towards their safety and well-being.
The DGP expressed hope that the programme would help create a safe and positive environment for children and adolescents across the state.
During the event, Khurania interacted virtually with adolescents from different districts of Odisha.
Senior police officers present at the programme included DGP (Crime Branch) Vinay Tosh Mishra, Additional DGP (Modernisation) Soumendra Priyadarshi, Additional DGP (Rail and Coastal Security) Arun Kumar Bothra, Additional DGP (Women and Child Crime Prevention Wing) S. Saini and other senior officials.
