Prayagraj: Acknowledging the growing significance of smartphone messaging apps, ‘Jan Samvad Dasta’ of district police have created as many as 25 WhatsApp groups to exchange input or information regarding crime and criminals and also make efforts to reach out to citizens.
Cops are also spreading information on latest trends of crimes and gathering information on local criminal activity. Cops claim that they have also been interacting with citizens on frequent intervals and members of different committees to receive feedbacks.
Inspector general of police (Prayagraj range) Dr Rakesh Singh told TOI that 25 women cops posted at Jan Samvad Dasta have created as many as 25 separate Whatsapp groups on close users group (CUG) numbers.
“Each woman cop has inducted at least 250 to 300 people with good repute from different professions like doctor, engineer, lawyer, businessman, academician, mediaperson etc to exchange information as well as asking their well beings,” he added.
IG, meanwhile, said women cops have taken up plans in the jurisdictions of all 40 police station in the district and have already connected with over 2,000 citizens.
Constable Ekta Singh, who created one of the Whatsapp groups of people living in Civil Lines, said, “Apart from asking well-being of citizens, we have appealed people to give inputs about any unlawful activities being taken up in their respective areas with the assurance that their identity would remain hidden.”
However, police have not received any complaint or grievance on Whatsapp group since its inception during the first two days.
Officials pointed out that area specific crimes and modus operandi are being discussed and shared on these groups. “For instance, crimes like conmen posing as cops and duping walkers and photos of habitual offenders could be shared,” said a senior officer. The groups between police officials and citizens could bring positive results in maintaining law and order. These can also be used to dispel rumours quickly.
Besides, advisories on avoiding cyber fraud (by keeping credit/debit card details safe) and chain-snatching (measures that could be helpful to curb the incidences of petty offences) could also be shared.
“Exchanging information on messaging apps can be a good idea. Cops are making efforts to bridge communication gap with masses and taking feedback from them is a good sign,” added IG.
Dasta members have been directed to connect with each other on messaging apps and have also connected with people like activists, shop owners’ associations and prominent citizens in their area.
Through the messaging groups, the police also anticipate to encourage citizens to come forward and lodge complaints as many crimes go unreported.