Use technology to curb crime: CM

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 22

“Technology is a double-edged weapon which can be accessed both by law enforcing agencies and criminals. It is imperative for the police to draw strategy, use technology and thwart attempts to disturb law and order by criminals,” Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Thursday.

Inaugurating the two-day 46th All-India Police Science Congress, organised by the Police Department and Bureau of Police Research and Development, he stressed the need for the maximum use of the latest technology and social media which had emerged an effective mode of communication and law enforcing agencies could no longer ignore it.

“It is the need of the hour to think ‘out of box’ to improve the functioning of the police by making the maximum use of technology,” he added.

Asserting that women safety and curbing the drug menace were the top priorities of the government, besides enforcement of law and order, the Chief Minister said awareness about crime and drugs could play a vital role in better policing.

He said Gudiya Helpline and Shakti Button App had been launched for women safety and the main object of these initiatives was to provide immediate assistance to women at the time of crisis.

Addressing delegates, Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development Dr AP Maheshwari stressed on the need for coming together of scholars and the police. He said forums had been created for integration of scholars of IITs, IIMs and the police in view of the threat posed by criminals in virtual world.

“Improvement in quality of investigations and use of modern technology in probe was the need of the hour as scientific evidence can increase the conviction rate,” stated Himachal DGP, SR Mardi adding that the resolutions adopted in the All-India Police Science Congress would serve as a roadmap for all police forces.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated an exhibition on different investigation and police assistance equipment on the occasion. Over 100 delegates are participating in the event.