COMMITMENT THY NAME IS SPC
The SPC programme in the state has carried out a remarkable role in curbing the threat of drug abuse in schools and public places. The following are some of the effective ways SPCs engage to prevent drug abuse in schools and society.
Education and Awareness : SPCs actively engage in educating their fellow students about the dangers and consequences of drug abuse. They organize workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs, addiction, and the importance of maintaining a drug-free campus.
Peer Influence ; SPCs act as positive role models for their peers. By living a drug-free lifestyle themselves, they inspire others to follow suit. They can encourage healthy and drug-free activities, such as sports, clubs, and community service, to divert attention away from drugs.
Vigilance and Reporting : SPCs are trained to be vigilant and observant. They keep an eye out for any suspicious activities or signs of drug abuse within the campus. If they come across any such incidents, they should report them to the appropriate authorities, such as school administrators or law enforcement agencies.
Collaborating with Law Enforcement : SPCs have a strong partnership with local law enforcement agencies to address the issue of drugs on campus. This collaboration can involve joint awareness programs, presentations by law enforcement officials, and providing information about drug-related incidents to the authorities for further action.
Peer Counselling and Support :SPCs provide peer counselling and support to students who are struggling with drug-related issues. They can create a safe and confidential environment where students can seek help, share their concerns, and receive guidance. SPCs can also connect students with appropriate resources such as counsellors, support groups, or rehabilitation centres.
Policy Advocacy :Student police cadets actively advocate for the implementation of strict antidrug policies within the campus. They work with school administration, student councils, and other relevant bodies to develop and enforce policies that discourage drug use, such as random drug testing, awareness programs, and disciplinary actions for offenders.
Community Engagement: SPCs engage with the wider community to spread the message of drug-free campuses. They can participate in community events, collaborate with local organizations, and organize outreach programs to involve parents, teachers, and community leaders in the fight against drug abuse.
Interventions and Impact
Counselling Services- SPC is very active in handling the victims by providing them counselling and follow-up assistance. The Chiri helpline set up for dealing with the problems of children has gone miles in this regard. The details of children got counselling through Chiri helpline during the year 2021. 2022, 2023 (till April) is given below.
| Year | Total | Below 18 (Children) |
| 2021 | 2704 | 52 |
| 2022 | 5783 | 300 |
| 2023 (till April) | 1324 | 81 |
| TOTAL | 9811 | 433 |
Public Opinion Survey
The public opinion survey conducted by Kerala State Excise Department by engaging 1000 SPC units in the state was an eye opener to the authorities to take strict action against drug abuse. The aim of the study was to find out whether substance abuse is increasing in Kerala and to identify the sources and trafficking of drugs. 20 SPCs from each unit were assigned to collect data from five participants belonging to different categories.
School Protection Groups (SPG)
SPG is a body comprising teachers, police officers, parent representatives, social workers, political leaders, businessmen, and drivers to prevent the spread of drugs by identifying their sources and reporting to law enforcement agencies.
Say YES to the Football Campaign
This is a campaign against drug abuse run by SPC in conjunction with the Vimukthi scheme of the Kerala State Excise Department. Through this, cadets understand that the use of intoxicants destroys both the body and the mind. Through this campaign, cadets are giving a strong message to society that life is addiction. Different impact studies conducted by KPMG, Kerala State Planning Board, SCERT Kerala etc have proven that student police cadets take the lead role in curbing drug abuse on the school campuses.
The studies also testify that student police cadets influence their peers and help them to stay away from unhealthy lifestyles. The testimony of the Honourable High Court of Kerala about the interventions of student police cadets in various fields including the prevention of drug abuse is a great source of energy for the stakeholders of the project. Establishing a drug-free environment requires a multi-faceted approach that involves education, awareness, enforcement, and support systems for those affected by drug abuse. As far as the SPC programme is concerned, it is important to note that while student police cadets play a significant role in creating a drug-free campus, they always work in collaboration with school administrators, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.