Delhi Police begin security checks in schools to assess student safety
The Delhi Police on Friday launched comprehensive security inspections across schools in New Delhi to evaluate student safety measures. Station house officers formed specialized teams to assess critical infrastructure, emergency plans, and security protocols in educational institutions.
The safety drive was initiated after several schools reopened on Thursday following the summer vacations. Police teams inspected school premises to check the functionality of CCTV cameras, the number of entry and exit points, emergency fire exits, and fire contingency plans. They also reviewed the presence of male and female security guards, the condition of boundary walls, and the adequacy of outdoor lighting.
In addition to physical infrastructure, the inspections focused heavily on the safety of female students. Police officers spoke directly with students, particularly girls, to understand their safety concerns when leaving school premises. Special attention was directed toward schools operating in double shifts, specifically during the transition period in the afternoon when the girls' shift ended and the boys' shift began.
As part of the initiative, police personnel conducted awareness drives to educate students on social media safety. Officers advised students to report any inappropriate behavior to a trusted adult. Senior students were also informed about their legal rights, including their ability to file complaints at any local police station.
The security inspections followed a June directive from the Directorate of Education (DoE). The DoE had instructed joint inspection teams of education officials and police to review safety measures. This directive was issued after a review meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who instructed the DoE to strictly enforce child protection norms and penalize non-compliant institutions.
The DoE's 14-page circular outlined 12 key measures for school heads, including establishing child protection committees, enforcing safety standards in school transport, and maintaining professional boundaries between staff and students.
Delhi Police officials stated they would document any security shortcomings found during their inspections. The police planned to write directly to the concerned schools to ensure compliance and also notify the DoE of their findings.
