Pandemic push for police’s digital drive

Ranchi: While the Centre’s Crime and Criminal Tracking and Networks Systems (CCTNS) project -- for creating a comprehensive and integrated system for effective policing through e-Governance -- could not take off properly in Jhrakhand in the 11 years since it was launched in 2009, the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed the state police department to go digital in a big way.
Jharkhand police is now making increasing use of digital and social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Twitter, to interact with people and address their grievances.
The new virus has infected 179 police personnel, including a DSP-rank officer, seven inspectors and 18 sub-inspectors so far.
Inspector general (South Chhotanagpur) Navin Singh said the police and the people are now using the electronic mode to interact with each other on various issues and Jharkhand DGP M V Rao has also stressed on activating all the social media platforms.
Notably, the number of people following Jharkhand Police’s Twitter account has increased from 17,000 before the lockdown to more than 80,000 at present and citizens are increasingly using this platform to lodge complaints affecting them and the society in general.
Recently, former MLA Kunal Sadangi had taken to the social media site and sought the rescue of children who had gone missing during the lockdown. Subsequently, an order was issued to SPs of several districts on Twitter to take cognizance of the complaint and initiate appropriate steps.
Another person tweeted saying he got a call purportedly from the police and was asked his name. Jharkhand Police clarified on the site that they never call anyone without identifying their organisation and purpose.
People are also using this platform to complain about lockdown violations in their area and issuing frequent advisories to people on avoiding cyber crime traps and helping those seeking support on various law and order issues, including gambling and illicit liquor.
Jharkhand Police spokesperson and IG Suman Gupta said, “The DGP is keen to reach out to people and take their feedback through various ways including social media sites like Twitter. We are directing the concerned police units to address the issues raised by the people online.”
Meanwhile, police have also ensured that mobile phones of officers in charge of all police stations have WhatApp. Gupta said people could send their complaints through this medium also. Police said all electronic mediums including the online FIR system are welcome under the present circumstances. For online FIRs, the complainant has to visit police station to explain his case.