Women cops send all the right signals at busy traffic junctions

Fatima Mary, a Grade I constable, who is regulating traffic at RTO signal, says a few motorists are surprised to see women in the role. “Some even wished me good luck and congratulated for taking up the job, which is considered too tough for women,” says Mary, who was with the armed reserve unit prior to this. 

“Compared to the work in armed reserve, there is additional responsibility and pressure to be a traffic policewoman. I like it,” says Mary, unfatigued despite standing under the sun for hours together. 

Policemen are transferred to traffic wing based on their willingness. Though the wing was opened to women cops in 2011, it did not have many takers as the job was considered tiring. “But a lot of reforms have been brought in, both in terms of timings and work. Now, traffic police have fixed duty hours, to oversea the vehicles of VIPs pass by their route. They get to spend time with their family, which is one of the main reasons why more women personnel opt for traffic wing now,” says a woman inspector, who does not want to be named.  

Even as he agreed that there are more number of women personnel preferring the traffic wing, A Arun, additional commissioner of police (Traffic), said that the number of women is more this time because of the number of vacancies standing at 200. Usually, women and men from armed reserve unit are transferred to the traffic wing on a seniority basis. “But when it comes to work and responsibility, we don’t discriminate them in terms of gender; they are bound to discharge their duties,” he adds.