Bhubaneswar: Every district in Odisha will soon have one model police station which will be equipped with sophisticated infrastructure among other modern facilities, a top police official said today.

State Director General of Police (DGP) RP Sharma, after inaugurating the three-day conference of Senior Police Officers’ Meet here, informed that he has already asked Superintendents of Police to recommend names of police stations in their respective districts by March 25.

These police stations will improve public-police interaction besides having a pleasing work environment for the men in uniform, he said adding the status of model police station will be given after examining various parameters which are must for these new units.

“These police stations will have features such as best infrastructure, logistics, skilled manpower, high rate of conviction, effective crime control and quality as well as expeditious investigations. Adequate manpower will be supplied to the model police stations,” said Sharma.

"In today's dynamic and fast-changing world, new forms of crime like cybercrime and cybersecurity have come to the centre stage. Police needs to upgrade its skills and use modern gadgets and technology," Sharma added.

The DGP also asked for opening of counselling centres to deal with matters related to women and children with utmost empathy.

The top cop also expressed concern about manpower shortage at various police stations across the State and informed a proposal to fill up the vacancies had already been sent to the government. "We still face nearly 35 percent shortage of sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors. Our proposal for recruitment of additional manpower is being considered by the government," Sharma said.

He also advised to other senior cops to give more focus on quality investigation and improve conviction rate besides ensuring free and fair registration of cases at police stations.

The DGP appreciated his officers for effective management of law and order, crime, pro-active handling of Maoists and successful conduct of festivals, sports meets and Bijepur Assembly bypoll.

Several issues, including capacity building of officers, measures to tackle Maoist menace and cyber crime among others will be discussed during the three-day event, another police officer said.

State Crime Branch Chief Santosh Upadhyay, Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Twin City Police Commissioner Y B Khurania among other senior IPS officers were present in the conference.