Rachakonda Police use reformed history-sheeters in community service roles

Rachakonda Police have begun a unique programme where reformed history-sheeters work as traffic volunteers. They help manage traffic and assist commuters, earning praise from residents and officers. Police say the initiative reduces stigma and supports reintegration into society

Hyderabad: In a progressive shift from conventional policing, the Rachakonda Police have launched a reform-centred initiative that places reformed history sheeters in community service roles, particularly as ‘traffic volunteers’, earning appreciation from both residents and officials.

As part of the initiative, individuals who have shown consistent behavioural reform were deployed at key traffic junctions in Uppal, LB Nagar and ECIL. Working alongside traffic constables and local volunteers, they helped regulate traffic, assisted pedestrians and sensitised commuters on road safety.

Under the supervision of Kushaiguda Police, 20 reformed rowdy-sheeters participated in the drive, with another 20 each from Uppal and LB Nagar police stations joining the effort.

Police personnel who worked with them echoed a similar sentiment. “Most of them were polite, disciplined and eager to help. You could actually see that they wanted to prove themselves,” said L Bhaskar Reddy, Inspector, Kushaiguda.

Meanwhile, residents said the move sends a strong message about second chances. “I was surprised to see them managing traffic so patiently,” said Preeti, a daily commuter at Uppal Circle.

Rachakonda Police Commissioner G Sudheer Babu said the initiative was designed to break the cycle of stigma that often forces reformed offenders back into crime.

“This is not just policing; this is social engineering. We want to show that reform is possible and that the police can be catalysts in rebuilding lives,” the commissioner said.

LB Nagar DCP B Anuradha said, “When people under surveillance participate in public service, it changes how society looks at them and how they look at themselves. If someone is trying to change, the system should support them. This initiative gives hope to many.”

Participants themselves said the experience was empowering. “We lived with the weight of our mistakes for years,” said one volunteer from LB Nagar.

Police officials have confirmed that more individuals will gradually be included in upcoming reform-oriented outreach programmes across the commissionerate.

A total of 3,017 history sheets, including 745 rowdy sheets and 2,138 suspect sheets, are currently being maintained at various police stations under Rachakonda Police Commissionerate.

In conventional policing, the history-sheeters, particularly rowdy-sheeters, are monitored in different ways. The surveillance by frequent checking, regular counselling close watch of the activities is a regular affair.