Now, Facebook to act as police-public interface

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, December 29

Social media would be used aggressively and Facebook would be the interface of the Himachal Police to connect with the public.

It has been made mandatory for all police stations in the state to have a Facebook page, which would act as a public interface.

“The move is aimed at creating awareness on drug abuse, crime trends and gathering feedback on the working of the police,” said DGP SR Mardi, who directed all 132 police stations to have a Facebook page by January.

The page would be named after the respective police stations and activities such as special drives on drugs, counselling sessions in schools, colleges and panchayats and activities of Nasha Nivaran Samities within the jurisdiction of the respective police stations would be mentioned on the page.

“We will also circulate a video on “Drug-Free Himachal” App to create awareness among people that the IP address of the complainant and his name and other vital details will remain hidden. Even the police would not be aware of the identity of the complainant,” Mardi said.

The police would also update emerging crime trends and ways to prevent crime, especially cyber crime, with details of modus operandi used by miscreants to dupe people. Details of employment frauds and money extorted on the pretext of sending people abroad for jobs would also be provided on Facebook to alert people. The public would also be apprised of the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act and traffic guidelines.

“Suggestions and comments of the public would be welcomed. The initiative will help in positive image building of the police. It will also be instrumental in keeping a check on rumors and misinformation being circulated through social media as authentic version of the police will act as a deterrent,” Mardi said.

Besides, the SPs of all 13 police districts have been told to create Twitter accounts and share important information regarding cases and convictions and inform people about the status and progress of important cases.