Mumbai: Mumbai Police have created groups on WhatsApp to reach out to citizens directly. The groups will be used to spread advisories and information on crime trends as well as to collect information on local criminal activity.Â
Sixteen police stations between Dahisar and Goregaon implemented the plan this week on WhatsApp and are already connected with 3,200 citizens. “Area-specific crimes and common modus operandi will be discussed on the groups. Photos of habitual offenders could be shared,” said a senior officer. “The groups can also be used to dispel rumours in real time.”
Advisories on avoiding cyber fraud (by keeping credit/debit card details safe) and chain-snatching (desist from wearing gold ornaments while walking on the street) will be shared with instances of such offenses.Â
The inspector moderating the group will post messages after they have been vetted by the area’s assistant police commissioner. Group members have been instructed to not post offensive or communal messages; they are, however, allowed to forward the police’s messages to other groups.
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