For the second time, a police station in Madurai city has been honored with the prestigious 'best police station in Tamil Nadu' award, showcasing exemplary law enforcement practices under the leadership of Inspector P Boominathan. The Jaihindpuram police station received this top accolade for the 2024-25 period, presented by Chief Minister M K Stalin during the Republic Day celebrations on Monday.
A Repeat Achievement in Policing Excellence
Inspector Boominathan, 48, previously led the S S Colony police station when it secured the same award for 2021-22, demonstrating consistent performance across different postings. When asked about the secret to this remarkable feat, Boominathan emphasized that preventive policing and visible policing were the key strategies driving success.
Transforming Case Management and Accountability
Under his tenure, the Jaihindpuram police station has seen significant improvements in case handling. Historically, over the past decade, chargesheets were not filed for 964 cases, but currently, only 11 such cases remain pending. Boominathan attributes this turnaround to diligent oversight and procedural enhancements.
"If an SHO does his regular police job without fail, then everyone can make their station the best," he stated, highlighting the importance of routine duties. He implemented measures such as having history-sheeters sign security bonds under sections 128 and 129 of the BNSS, with proper magistrate direction, to ensure compliance and monitoring.
Innovative Approaches to Crime Prevention
Boominathan introduced a system where four constables are designated to monitor court cases, doubling the usual procedure of two per station, to expedite legal processes. "Patrolling should be effective in order to minimise crime rate in such a manner that offenders fear the police who are usually on patrol. They would then hesitate to commit crime," he explained, underscoring the role of visible law enforcement in deterring criminal activities.
He further noted that speedy trials and timely filing of chargesheets are essential components for achieving recognition as the best police station in Tamil Nadu. To streamline operations, history-sheeters are categorized into classes, each monitored by designated personnel, ensuring focused attention and accountability.
Daily Routines and Strict Policies
The station maintains a disciplined routine with two daily roll calls—one in the morning and another in the evening—where police personnel update crime statuses and review petitions from the public. This practice fosters transparency and responsiveness to community concerns.
Boominathan also outlined a strict policy on drug-related cases, emphasizing immediate action and remand for individuals, especially students, involved in selling contraband. For juvenile offenders, he adopts a balanced approach: counseling for first-time offenses but taking immediate legal action for repeat crimes, ensuring both rehabilitation and accountability.
Recognition and Support from Senior Officers
Expressing gratitude, Boominathan acknowledged the support from his senior officers in achieving this milestone. City Police Commissioner J Loganathan elaborated on the selection process, noting that each year, the top three police stations are submitted for assessment, with the best chosen based on criteria like timely chargesheet filings and swift grievance redressal.
This award not only highlights the dedication of the Jaihindpuram police station but also sets a benchmark for policing standards across Tamil Nadu, inspiring other stations to adopt similar best practices for community safety and efficiency.
