Mangaluru : The Police department in the State is people-friendly when compared to other states in the country, Home Minister G Parameshwara said.

Speaking after inaugurating the new police station at Dharmasthala on Monday, he said about 16,000 vacancies were lying vacant in the department. As many 8,000 personnel have been appointed now. The process of appointing the remaining 8,000 personnel is underway and about 500 SIs will be recruited, he added.

Parameshwara said crime rate decreased in the State in 2015 and no new stations will be opened during the year. The Home Department has decided to construct 11,000 quarters for the police personnel.

About 3,000 have already been constructed and 5,000 houses will be constructed during the year. He said the police personnel in Dharmasthala too will get quarters.

He said a new jail will be constructed on the outskirts of Mangaluru shortly. Women police stations will be set up in all districts, he added.

Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade said police personnel should ensure that discipline in maintained. They should help in controlling the traffic in Dharmasthala, he added.

MLA K Vasanth Bangera presided over the programme. Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports ABhayachandra Jain, IGP (Western range) Amruth Paul, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Chandrasekhar, SP Dr S D Sharanappa and others were present.