Trouble filing an FIR? Call the new police helpline

The helpline will be active round-the-clock

Ever been frustrated while trying to file a first information report (FIR) or a community service register (CSR) at a police station?

If you face any resistance, you can now simply call a number for help.

The Chennai city police have launched a helpline for citizens to lodge complaints pertaining to non-registration of FIR or CSR for a cognisable or non-cognisable offence at any police station in the city.

According to an officer at the police commissionerate in Vepery, complainants can dial 044-25615086 if they feel there is no response from the police personnel at a respective station towards their compliant.

“If the station house officer or the in-charge concerned fails to acknowledge a genuine complaint and registered an FIR or CSR, then we will help the complainant,” said a senior police officer.

An initiative of the city commissioner, S. George, the helpline began functioning from Monday and will be regularly monitored by the top cop himself, said the officer.

Police personnel sensitised

Following a meeting presided over by Mr. George last week, a circular was sent to police stations in an attempt to sensitise personnel on the right way to respond to complainants and register cases.

The key point in the note directed policemen to understand the nature of the complaint and examine details, before accepting the complaint, irrespective of the police jurisdiction.

The case can be transferred to the respective police station, later, for filing the FIR, the police personnel were advised. The helpline will be active round-the-clock, with the police recording all information real-time.