Karnataka: ‘Mane Manege Police’ initiative to build community trust

In a significant move towards community-focused policing, the Karnataka Police have rolled out the Mane Manege Police initiative, which involves beat officers visiting households across the state to directly engage with citizens. The program, launched on July 18, is designed to foster trust, gather concerns, and strengthen ties between law enforcement and the public.

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Under this initiative, beat officers are expected to visit 40 to 50 homes per beat, operating in 15-day cycles. Senior officers also join these interactions every second Saturday. These visits prioritize listening over enforcement, with no personal data collected and feedback strictly voluntary.

The effort goes beyond traditional policing by identifying broader civic issues such as electricity disruptions, poor sanitation, and social grievances. Officers escalate such non-policing concerns to relevant departments through inter-agency meetings and Janasamparka Sabhas. Female officers are specifically assigned to women-only households to ensure open dialogue on sensitive topics like domestic violence and substance abuse.

While the program forms part of the broader e-beat system, it marks a shift from reactive enforcement to proactive engagement. Coverage spans all neighborhoods, including vulnerable and high-risk areas, ensuring no community is overlooked.

Public response has been largely positive, especially among senior citizens and women, who report a renewed sense of safety and approachability. With continued oversight and clear protocols, Mane Manege Police aims to create a more inclusive and responsive policing culture across Karnataka.