The Whatsapp number of the city police is fast becoming popular the among the public, with complaints regarding traffic and law and order issues pouring in within just 10 days of its introduction. Officials said they have received 521 messages so far.
Initially, residents sent appreciative messages for starting this initiative. But now, they are actually making use of the service. We have received 34 messages on law and order issues, 32 on traffic, nine relating to crime and 446 other messages, including those pertaining to other departments and petty issues, they said.
"On the helpline number 100, people could only make calls. But, now they can post pictures along with their complaints, upload videos and voice messages to support their plaints, making it easier for us to take action," said a police officer in charge of the Whatsapp number.
Police have also created several Whatsapp groups, to facilitate speedy action based on the information/complaints posted on them. Three police officers work in as many shifts to ensure that every message is taken care of.
"We have spoken to district collector Archana Patnaik as well. We have also received many messages pertaining to other government departments. For example, one message alerted us about a dilapidated wall in Kuniyamuthur, posing danger to commuters. On our part, we have issued a notice to its owners. If other departments are involved, it would be easier for us to resolve complaints," said city police commissioner A Amalraj.
The Whatsapp number launched on February 18 has also helped police officials to remain better connected with one another.
As per the data provided by city police, on the traffic front they have received complaints regarding illegal hoardings, dysfunctional traffic signals, accidents, encroachments on footpaths and people violating traffic rules. Other complaints included family disputes, assault cases and nuisance created by drunkards.
"Once we receive the complaints, we immediately forward them to concerned groups where officials inform us about the action taken. We then inform the complainant. All this takes just a few minutes," said a police officer.
The officer said that many families have added the number to their Whatsapp groups. "My entire family has stored this number on their phone so they can easily contact the police in an emergency," said one resident.
Police were however disappointed to find hoax messages on the Whatsapp number 8190000100. "Some issues reported were false. Since many have added us to a number of groups, we also get some forwards, including Kollywood comedy videos, which we ignore," said the officer.
The city police launched the Whatsapp number after a telecommunication company proposed the idea to them.
"We checked in with cities like Hyderabad, where this facility is being appreciated and is extremely successful. Hence we introduced it in Coimbatore," said Amalraj.