Smart policing for smart times

CM calls for police sensitisation

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, May 6: The concept of smart policing has become important in the context of the country’s current situation and the time has come to introduce the concept effectively. This was stated by V Vumlunmang, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday at a two-day regiol workshop on smart policing in the Eastern region being held here.

Addressing the workshop, Vumlunmang said, “On many occasions, police fail to create a positive image in society. Rather people have a negative concept about the police and its functioning. This attitude of people can be changed with the introduction of smart policing,” adding, “Now-a-days, police are facing many challenges - from maintaining law and order to delivering better and timely services to people. So in such a situation, police need to evolve.”

In his address, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, “First of all, police must be sensitive towards people’s problems and grievances, and find solutions to problems accordingly.”

“To tackle mob violence, police must adopt smart measures instead of actions that lead to high casualty. The perception of people towards police will be changed if smart policing is introduced. Smart policing means providing service to people efficiently, effectively and timely,” he said.

The Chief Minister further said, “It is a fact that police personnel have a very stressful duty and there are many reasons behind it. We should try to reduce the stress levels of our police personnel so that we can get better services from them.”

The workshop is being organised by the MHA in association with the Assam Police and the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), Government of India.

Apart from top police officials from the Northeastern States, police officials from Kolkata, Bihar and Jharkhand are also taking part in the workshop.