You could soon SMS your tips to city police………Sanjeev Shivadekar
The state plans to start a service by which any citizen can send his feedback, suggestion or even complaint against the police through text messages. The system will also help to bring in transparency in the police department.
Mumbai: If things go as planned by the state home department, then you will soon be able to register your suggestions for or grievances against the city police without going to any police station or dialling any phone number.
The state government is contemplating a service by which any citizen can give his feedback, suggestion or even complaint against the police through text messages (SMSes).
Besides having citizens’ feedback, the system will help bring in transparency in the police department, said the minister of state for home, Arif Naseem Khan.
Two to three senior-level police officials will be asked to visit various agencies that use of this technology to get feedback\complaint from the people. Once these officials study the system and submit their report, the state home department will take it to the logical end, he added.
A few months ago, both Central and Western railways had introduced an SMS feedback scheme for commuters to improve their services. The SMS service started by the railways received an overwhelming response and railway authorities took action on the messages received from the commuters.
While former Mumbai police commissioner refused to comment on this, a senior police official involved in handling the control room said, “A dedicated helpline already exists and there are special control numbers for citizens to register their complaints. The new system the minister is talking about is similar to the existing ones. Instead of starting a new system, I feel they should make efforts to enhance the existing one.’’