Stationed with care

Ever wondered what creativity and international management modules could achieve in a cop’s world? Adding to Hyderabad Police’s list of achievements, in a survey conducted by the Quality Council of India (QCI) and Ministry of Home Affairs, the Punjagutta Police Station (P.S.) has been adjudged the second best amongst nearly 15,000 stations in the country. The award, titled the Home Minister Union Trophy, was given based on three parameters — performance, infrastructure and amenities.

S. Ravinder, Station House Officer (SHO), Punjagutta P.S., who received the trophy from Home Minister Rajnath Singh, says, “The award means a lot to us and we feel great to be recognised. Such appreciation will only make us more responsible and thrive on excellence.”

Aquarium at the Punjagutta police station

And who does he credit the award to? “It’s a team effort,” Ravinder replies, adding, “I thank Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and DGP Mahender Reddy for constantly inspiring and encouraging us. Also, our entire staff really worked hard.”

Notably, Ravinder followed the Japanese 5S management system — sort, straighten, shine, standardise and sustain — to achieve the desired results. “If the working environment is clean, the productivity of the employees goes up. So it is imperative that I get the ergonomics right first. I believe three factors — emotional intelligence, psychological well-being and self-efficacy — influences job satisfaction in any work environment. So ever since I took over in March 2017, the focus was on dividing the work, constant motivation and organising learning and training sessions.”

What’s more, upon walking into the station, one can see walls adorned with inspirational quotes, horticulture, well-designed cubicles, etc., that give the station a corporate look. Several high-profile people have visited the premises and appreciated the Punjagutta station’s state-of-the-art facilities as well. “But we had to deal with our challenges like high crime rates, etc. So if your staff is taken care of, they in turn will better serve the public, and that’s what my team proved. Also, citizens who come here should feel comfortable with the atmosphere, so the basic objective is to improve the quality of policing and make it citizen-friendly,” shares the humble SHO.

Fitness equipment for the officers

However, Ravinder adds that life as a cop is challenging and that he has no time for personal and social life. “Policing is one of the toughest professions. While everyone was partying on New Year’s eve, we were concerned about people’s security. Also, since the station is in a prime location, there are several VVIP movements, so we are constantly occupied with the protocols. But I do regret not spending enough time with family,” he says.

Nevertheless, Ravinder’s wife was elated about the award. “She’s super happy,” he guffaws, adding, “I’m now trying to spend more time with the family, but it is indeed challenging to strike a work-life balance. But whenever I get time, I read books too.”

A CLASSY MAKEOVER
Here’s a list of areas that have been especially developed for employees and visitors at the Punjagutta Police StatioN
Yoga centre 
Reading room 
Stress-free zone 
Fitness centre
Help desk and dining area 
Women’s waiting and rest rooms
Learning centre 
Roof-top garden and aquarium