Friends of Police

The Friends of Police, abbreviated as FOP Service Movement, is a type of Community Policing initiative. It works on the basis of the Joint Governmental Organization, which aims to bring the police and the public closer. FOP helps to promote the crime awareness that is happening around the locality. They create awareness among the people and prevent the occurrence of crimes. FOP imparts transparency in its procedures; they deliver impartiality in their performance. 

Here in this article, we will know in detail what is friends of police, the work of friends of police and we will discuss what are the criteria to become FOP. 

Meaning of Friends of Police

FOP is a new concept which barely a few of us know about it. Hence, we have introduced this content to answer the main question here ‘What are the friends of police services?’ 

Friends of Police movement is actually a formed community that delivers the policing initiative. This is a Joint Governmental Organization that has a goal to bring the public and the locals close to each other. There should be complete transparency in the society hence this organization was formed.

When did it Start?

This movement was started in the year 1993 in Ramanathapuram (known as the Ramnad) District of Tamil Nadu. This was first organised by Prateep V. Philip, an I.P.S officer, while he was servicing as Superintendent of the Police.

In Tamil Nadu, presently, there are 4000 active FOP or Friends of Police (as estimated). 

One official spoke, "Volunteers can apply, and there are minimum criteria like no political affiliation or criminal background, etc. Those who apply are mostly rural youth from poor backgrounds. It is not the salary but the proximity to police that is an attraction. Some with criminal tendencies take advantage of a favourable environment in the system."

What are Friends of Police – Concept Explanation 

The concept of FOP was very interesting. This concept started with the question by the police “how can we share power with the local people?”

Therefore, FOP itself emerged from the policing philosophy, and now it goes beyond mere community policing. Back in the year 1993, many individuals across the district border wished to be considered as a member of FOP. Thereby, the police department started to give importance to this department. The movement is a 'cornerstone' that grew nationwide.

Work of Friends of Police 

FOP helps in promoting crime awareness among the people and this prevents the occurrence of crime to a fair extent. We can say that the concept of FOP is holistic and proactive. It acts as a tool to transform the image of the police, strengthen their police force and create an attitudinal change both within the force and among the public masses.

Today, the FOP movement constitutes the base that works towards the humanisation and socialisation of the police force. They share the power with the ordinary citizens; this resembles the quotation from the Constitution 'We the People'.

Criteria to Become FOP

Literally, any public can become an FOP who was never involved in any civil or criminal cases presently or before. In order to become a member, he or she has to send a letter to the Superintendent of Police. In that letter, he needs to furnish his own name, age, and address, and also, he will pledge his friendship with the police. After verifying the letter of the applicants through the Special Branch, in the local police station, the chief of the police will then admit the person as FOP. 

1. The age group of the FOP should be above eighteen years of age.

2. He or she should have completed their tenth standard of education.

3. He or to become an FOP should not be involved in any political activities.

4. He or she must not have any criminal history.

5. To become an FOP, a volunteer should be in a position that will allow time to get them involved in the public service.

6. FOP should be in a position to maintain good relations with the police personnel, he or she should have such a personality to maintain an equal good relation with the public.

7. FOP should have a contact type relationship with the nodal officers of that police district or division.

8. Those involved in FOP should know it is a voluntary movement and thus should not expect any monetary benefits for their services, whether from the police or from the public.

9. FOP should be in a position such as to identify the problems which going on in their locality from the youngsters, senior citizens, women.

10. FOPs should also be in a position to generate awareness among the mass about the existence of FOP in their area.

Dos and Don’ts of Being an FOP

Dos:

• Serve the community.

• Following the safety and traffic rules in that ratio. 

• Lend a helping hand to the public and to the police.

• Following the principles as laid down in the police department.

• Assisting the Police in stopping or avoiding the crime of the city.

• Assisting the Police in maintaining law and order

• Assist the Police in maintaining the regular traffic regulations

• Give suggestions which will help people in solving the grievances and their local problems

• Protection of own property

• Help to create awareness among the mass. 

• Help the needy or poor people in society. 

• Being aware of the rights and duties of FOP. 

• Be available for service for the community and the police department. 

Don’ts:

• Don't go to the police station with a recommendation of the same.

• Don't get involved in any unlawful activities.

• Don't be a party to any dispute happening locally.

• Don't criticise any individual Police officer.

• Don't openly fight anti-social elements in public.

• Don't practice any bad habits. It will reflect badly in society.

• Don't get involved in any political activity

• Don't misuse your status as being the FOP

• Don't take any collection of funds or donations

• As FOP, don't be inactive; instead, live up to the ideals and ideas of being an FOP.

Current Issues Related to FOP in Tamil Nadu

The Friends of Police services (FOP) have been revoked in the state of Tamil Nadu. Across this state, the senior police officers instructed the police stations to recall back the identity cards which were given to the FOPs and also not to engage the volunteers in any case related to the police department.  

FOPs were dissolved upon the controversy over the FOP volunteers being engaged to beat up P. Jeyaraj and his son J. Bennicks in the Sathankulam police station on 19th of June, in the year 2020, during night time. They were arrested for violating the covid-19 protocols and preventing the police from taking action against it.  

Did you Know? 

• All voluntarily involved adult citizens or any non-nationals residing in Bhutan irrespective of their rank, qualification, and gender. Except for PYPP and POSYPP members, all can be FPOs.

• You can register for FPO for the online forms available on the RBP website (www. rbp. Gov. bt)

• For registering yourself in FPO, all you need is - 3 copies of passport size photo or a soft copy of passport size photo if this is done via online processing after filling up the required forms.

• One can join FPO anytime. They are only required to attend the induction program for one day in order to obtain the Certificate of Membership and Participation.

• FOP is not a full-time job. FPOs are required to spare only 1 to 2 hours either on weekends or anytime as decided by the OCs or Focal Officer or the Coordinator who is involved with the FOP members as per the work schedule of that department.

• FPOs act as the ambassadors of the police in order to create awareness among the people.

• The recognition given to the FPO are:

• Certificate of Participation, Membership Card, and an FOP jacket. 

A certificate which could be used for further studying and to prove the community work and their participation.