Shimla: With online technology and applications converging onto mobile phones as well as expansion of internet services in the state, police here is slowly upgrading its knowhow about sharing, gathering and disseminating of information through emails and social networking sites like Facebook.
Speaking about a three day training program that concluded on Monday, Sonal Agnihotri, SP Shimla said, “with plans to make web based communications as the communication mode in the police, staff members are being imparted training programs in drafting of letters, notifying on files, applying google search operations and learning the process of using emails.â€
“A lot of internal communication is already being done through emails,†he said.
Director General Police Daljit Manhas says, “use of information technology is being encouraged to increase citizen centric services and reduce corruption.â€
While abilities of the police personnel to communicate through online mode are being upgraded, to reach out to younger generations and try to solve traffic congestion problems in the city, a page ‘Traffic Police Shimla’ on social network site Facebook has also been opened.
An Email ID in the name of “TRAFFIC POLICE SHIMLA†with email ID [email protected] has been created by Shimla Police on famous Public Network “Facebook†for interaction with general public to seek advice and suggestions regarding smooth traffic regulation in Shimla, said Agnihotri.
“The idea is not just to connect with the younger generation,†says Agnihotri, “but to pick up suggestions, traffic violations and incidences of road rage, report complaints and other information that could help in regulating traffic as well making improvements.â€
Though the page was opened more than a fortnight ago, but it has not caught the fancy of the net savvy generation yet because besides a couple of suggestions, not much activity has taken on the social network.
Not disappointed with the start, the officers said, ‘it will take some time to get entrenched.
About disseminating of information during emergency situations like of accidents, police chief Daljit Manhas said that a lot of information is received through an SMS gateway opened by the police.
“We plan to share such information with health, tourism, transport and other departments so that it can be used for handling the situation and taking necessary action,†he said.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads a team of media professionals at Hill Post.
Spanning a career of over two decades in mass communication, as a Documentary Filmmaker, TV journalist, Print Media journalist and with Online & Social Media, he brings with him a vast experience. He lives in Shimla.
I wish Himachal Govt. take more steps towards adopting technology and involving public.