For many accident victims, getting the First Information Report (FIR) is more traumatic than the accident itself. Now, the Chennai police have introduced a system of mailing the FIR.
In the last one week, the police have mailed 421 FIR copies to people involved in accidents. The police will also send SMS to them once they are are despatched. People say they are able to save a lot of time under the system, which was introduced on November 10.
“This initiative is closely monitored by senior police officers,” said Commissioner of Police S. George.
One such beneficiary is V. Ashok Kumar, whose wife Meena Jalwani was injured and found lying on Poonamalee High Road last Sunday. Some people rushed her to hospital.
“The police enquired about her health often and mailed me an FIR copy. The system is very helpful as it saves time,” he says.
Meenakshi Venkateswaran, another beneficiary, says the system will help women.
Senior police officers say the system will help the victims claim insurance easily.
“Most of them approach us for an FIR copy a fortnight after the accident. Getting the copy will be delayed further if the officer concerned is involved in another case,” says a senior police officer.
Electronic FIRMeanwhile, electronic FIR, an initiative of the State police, has been held up because a Government Order amending the Police Standing Orders is yet to be issued.
The initiative is aimed at bringing accountability and transparency in the functioning of the Police Department. Once the system becomes operational, it will help police officers save time.
Nearly 20 registers have to be maintained in the old manual entry method. In the new system, the software will automatically populate into the various pages of the FIRs.
