In an effort to foster public engagement, the Uttar Pradesh Police Department is developing a new project. Recently, they opened Cafe Rista, a pastel-colored cafe in Sector 108 of the Police Commissionerate of Noida.
The goal of IPS Laxmi Singh and IPS Babloo Kumar’s creation is to strengthen the bonds that exist between law enforcement and the general public. The cafe is the ideal place for a laid-back hangout because it provides a warm atmosphere and tasty, reasonably priced food.
Cafe Rista’s location is particularly apt. Situated near the Commissionerate’s Family Dispute Resolution Clinic, it provides a much-needed escape for those seeking counselling or mediation. The cafe’s calming ambiance, with its quirky quotes, stands in stark contrast to the potentially stressful nature of these services.
The story of Cafe Rista took a delicious turn on social media recently with a viral video featuring IPS officer Preeti Yadav. In the video, she sheds light on the cafe’s purpose, emphasising the human side of the badge.
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“People often view police with apprehension,” explains Ms Yadav, “forgetting we’re simply people in uniform. This cafe is a bridge, fostering connection between civilians and officers.”
Another important point that the video emphasizes is accessibility. Everyone is welcome at Cafe Rista, which serves delicious treats at reasonable costs. This transparency strengthens the cafe’s function in dismantling barriers and fostering a more personable police force.
The initiative also covers the welfare of police officers. Because of their work schedules and uniforms, officers are sometimes reluctant to eat out. However, they can now enjoy a cozy cafe on the premises with their families. This is in line with the department’s welfare policing strategy, which places an emphasis on the mental and morale of officers.