Women’s safety needs preventive, sensitive and accountable policing, say experts

Women police personnel are the “last-mile link” between the police force and the public, and their workplace concerns must be addressed to build a more sensitive and effective policing system, former Karnataka Director General of Police Raghavendra H. Auradkar said on Thursday.

Delivering the keynote address at the third edition of the National Women’s Conference on Safety and Security 2026 in Bengaluru, Mr. Auradkar, who is now Chairman and Administrative Member of the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal (KSAT), said women police personnel, from constables to inspectors, need better workplace facilities and institutional support.

He highlighted the need for dedicated restrooms, safe transportation for women working night shifts, access to mental health counsellors, periodic health check-ups, and stronger mechanisms to address sexual harassment both in public spaces and workplaces.