With the Facebook and Twitter accounts eliciting good response from the public, Mysuru city police on Thursday extended its technology outreach by unveiling its WhatsApp number 8861786385.
Addressing a press conference here, city Police Commissioner B. Dayananda said the number could be used by the public to share photographs, audio and video clips of traffic offence or other unlawful activities, along with the sender’s name, spot of the incident, time, date and nature of the violation. The messaging platform can also be used to lodge complaints against autos and taxis that refuse to go on hire or demand excess fare. Though the city police receives complaints of traffic and other violations through Public Eye option available on its website mysorecitypolice.gov.in, where there is a provision to upload photographs, Mr. Dayananda said sharing the same details on an instant messenger would be easier.
Using the Public Eye provision was tedious as it involves opening the website and uploading the photos or videos. Now, the photos or videos available on the mobile phone can instantly be shared on WhatsApp with the police.
The police department, which receives eight to 10 posts daily on Public Eye, expects the numbers to go up now. City police has constituted a four-member social media team, which recently underwent a day-long training by a resource person.
The number will be regularly monitored, Mr. Dayananda said. “Please do not send unwanted messages,” he said.
The Facebook page of the police has more than 11,500 likes and the Twitter account @CPMysuru, has close to 500 followers.
