Falakata is one of the oldest Police Stations in West Bengal. It was a sub-division in 1905. The old PS building was built by Chinese craftsmen. Its new building was built by the Siliguri -Jalpaiguri Development Authority(SJDA). Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the building in 2012.
Mujnai River is flowing towards the western direction of the police station. At times water ways were very popular means of transport here and large boats, barges used to ferry passengers and goods from this place. Mahakabarli Ghat and Goalpara Ghat are still landmarks of this area. Vegetables are produced in good quantity as the land is fertile for the presence of alluvial soil. There are ten cold storages in the area which facilitate local 
producers to keep their produces stored for few months. Nearly three lakh people live in this town including some tribal population. The area has seven tea gardens. Most of the people belong to middle income group and their occupations are mostly agriculture and business. Although literacy rate here is as high as 60 per cent still child marriage and gambling are phenomenal. These are the challenges for police to curb down such social evils. Crime against women and property related disputes are often reported but those are efficiently dealt with. Law and order situation in the area is now under control though it was disturbed in the mid nineties of the last century.
Policing: Continuous surveillance through mobile patrolling, cycle patrolling and foot patrolling has maintained public tranquility despite the presence of some sensitive areas. Since police are visible in the locality miscreants think twice before committing an offence. Last year a notorious gang which had stolen motorcycles was caught and four persons were arrested in that connection and 14 vehicles were seized.
Jurisdictional area of Falakata Police Station is divided in to 12 Anchals. Each Anchal has a Peace Committee consisting of 10 members and meeting of these committees are held periodically to review the situation of the respective anchal. Later the resolution is referred to the police for appropriate actions. The members of those committees are connected through a WhatsApp group. Updated information of any local incident are shared among the members of this group which helps in tackling matters quickly before it crops up and create a law and order problem. Meetings are also organised with Gram Panchayat Pradhans at regular intervals to listen to their grievances. Holding of village meetings, display of Tableaus and distribution of leaflets, awareness campaign with the assistance of NGOs play a significant role in removing social evils.
New Traffic Wing has been created with two officers, 105 Civic Volunteers who have been performing round the clock duties since October last year. Traffic posts have been setup with CCTVs at Dhupguri, Milbor Chowpati and Falakata Chowpati. A police post has been setup at Dateshwar recently with three officers, who look after five GPs in the northern side. Drives against illegal encroachment on foot paths are conducted along the stretch of Falakata bazaars and other main roads to keep traffic flow smoother.
Beyond Policing: Awareness campaigns against child marriage, gambling, liquor consumption and ATM fraud are organised from time to time involving clubs, NGOs and other stake holders. Tableaus move around the villages and large number of leaflets distributed among people to educate safe handling of ATM. Mid day meal checks in the schools are also being carried out by the police to ensure hygiene among the school children. This year 36 local 
clubs participated in Himal Tarai Festival where football, martial arts, archery and other sports were part of the event. An orientation programme is held at regular intervals involving schools which educate and inform the school-goers on the working of a police station and its various aspects. ‘Safe Drive Save Life’ campaign was organised and since last year 35 rallies were organised involving school and college students, transporters, public and local clubs. Short films on road safety were screened at various educational institutions. Blood donation camps were organised which helped them to collect 70 units of blood and handed over to blood bank.
Anirban Saha
