Kozhikode police stations to receive dedicated cybercrime help desks

Cyber help desks are to be established at all police stations in Kozhikode district to assist victims of cyber fraud and other online crimes, following a State-level directive from the Department of Home Affairs. The desks will be staffed by trained officers who will hear complaints, help victims report incidents online and facilitate prompt action. Three police personnel will be assigned to each desk.

Assistant Commissioners responsible for cyber divisions in the respective police districts will supervise the desks. A senior officer attached to the Cyber Cell said the initiative was designed to address the difficulty police stations face in handling cyber complaints alongside their wider caseload. The desks are intended to operate as independent wings within police stations, focusing exclusively on cybercrime-related assistance.

Their responsibilities will include helping complainants register cases where required and obtain updates on the progress of their grievances. Cases needing specialist investigation will be referred to cyber police stations, cyber cells or other relevant departments. Major cases may be transferred to the hi-tech cell or special investigation teams.

According to officers at cyber police stations, coordinators will receive special training on different types of cybercrime and on ensuring better follow-up. They will also coordinate awareness programmes within the areas served by their police stations. The project is being implemented across the State following recommendations from cyber police stations.

Its stated purpose is to make assistance more accessible at local police stations and enable faster intervention after a cyber-related complaint. The source material did not provide a date for the desks to begin operating or specify the types of cybercrime that will be handled exclusively at the new counters.