“Tech policing” is the buzzword, which means using the power of technology in maintaining the law and order situation. The Bengaluru City Police (BCP) seems to be showing the way in this. How else do you explain the over 5 million followers they have across different social media platforms. This enormous following is not by fluke or has happened overnight.
Tech-policing
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We will catch you ridin’ dirtyWe will catch you ridin’ dirty#SayNoToDrugs
BENGALURU CITY POLICE ಅವರಿಂದ ಈ ದಿನದಂದು ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ ಭಾನುವಾರ, ಜನವರಿ 20, 2019
This post was posted on January 20 and has till now gathered 6,200 reactions and has been shared over 1,800 times through their Facebook page itself. Conveying a serious message through a language which today’s tech-savvy generation understands and has proved to be extremely effective. Interestingly, each day of the week is dedicated to a specific theme, for example, weekdays are dedicated to themes like traffic and road safety, while weekends are dedicated to dissuading citizens from drinking and driving.
Roses are red Violets are blue, Heard you’re selling drugs, We’ll come visit you. pic.twitter.com/z5DIsngG7B
— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) May 18, 2017
You think you read it properly ? Read it again.! #DontDrinkandDrive pic.twitter.com/2AyBGcmDL5
— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) January 6, 2019
Behind these witty posts are a team of 12 cops. All the members of the team hold a graduate or a post graduate degree. Any cop who holds a graduate degree with basic English and computer knowledge and knows the pulse of the generation and is willing to explore new arenas in tech police is welcome to the team.
It’s not who you are underneath, It’s what you do that defines you. pic.twitter.com/RHKEmUO0DL
— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) December 24, 2018
Don’t drink and driveWe’re pretty sure you’ve heardYou might crash or worseEven if you’re a wizard pic.twitter.com/AUuMZThgrW
— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) April 28, 2017
The purpose of the tech policing is, however, not limited to just posting witty posts on important issues, but also to reach the citizens in times of distress. The Bengaluru city police monitor tweets and comments on posts where they (Bengaluru City Police, the Police Commissioner, BCP Man) are tagged. Apart from this, BCP has listed down a number of keywords, like 100, emergency and accidents, etc. BCP scouts the social media for such distress messages they may come across.
Whoa! We have received large number of appreciation from our Bengalurians, we’re very glad & this is boosting, motivating & inspiring us to do as such more. We thank all of you for your support & cooperation throughout this NYE2019 and making this Eve successful pic.twitter.com/k4JQAsPzjN
— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) January 1, 2019
Not just this, in times of crisis or instances of violence, BCP keeps the citizens aware of the precautions to take and places to avoid.
BCP can also be credited with effective utilisation of the helpline number. BCP’s helpline number is Namma 100. Interestingly, there is a team of 100 people at a time at the service of the public. Hoysalas or the “patrol team”. There are over 272 Hoysalas in the city. There are pink Hoysalas as well, dedicated specifically to women citizens. Phone operators receive complaints and reach grieving persons at the earliest. Day-to-day complaints include minor feuds, traffic-related issues and women safety, a senior official told The Logical Indian.
A dedicated social media wing of the Bengaluru city police started its full-fledged operations in 2014. Interestingly, the work and the impact is so impressive that other cities’ and countries’ police have also taken a cue.
The Logical Indian take
It is very inspiring and encouraging to see that such a premier governmental organisation is making the best use out of social media. India has one of the largest population of young people. It is great that BCP is harnessing the power of social media to extend their reach to the public. The Logical Indian congrats BCP and hopes that others take inspiration from this.
Also Read: Bengaluru City Police Responds To A Tweet, Nabs An Errant Auto Driver!
