Tweet to the cops! Kickass Bangalore City Police uses social media to help citizens

The IT city’s  police is as tech savvy as its residents. The Bangalore city traffic police with over 293K followers on Facebook, 37.5K on Twitter and the  Bangalore city police with 171K followers on Facebook and 22.7K followers on Twitter are showing how staying connected with the citizens can be a win-win situation.

While they drive social messages, alerts and crime updates, the account serves as a great platform for the city’s residents’ to voice their concerns, challenges and sometimes even appreciations.

When the story of an Ola auto driver, GhasamfarAli.K, went viral because he ensured a women commuter felt safe in a city she was new to, most of us just applauded the driver virtually. Well, the Bangalore City Police went a step ahead – they honoured him in a move to encourage other drivers.

While the account receives numerous complaints, many citizens also use it as a platform to appreciate the good work of the cops. A commuter praised a cop who went beyond the call of duty to address the issue of broken dividers. The post which caught the attention of not just other Bengalureans but also the Additional Commissioner of Traffic Police and his good work was awarded.

The post reads,

 “Dear Friends,

Reward and Reprimand are two opposite words and actions. Rewards are directed at people, with the intention of improving or maintaining their desirable behaviour. Alternatively reprimand is to tell someone officially and in a serious way that something they have done is wrong. Based upon posts on this page we have reprimanded some of our officials for their laxity in duties and also recognised those who do good work. Sri Sanjukta Sarkar on 29/6/2015 in his post appreciated the good work by our HC 3590 K. Satyanarayana of White Field Traffic and it has been liked by many. In recognition of his good work, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sri M.A. Saleem, IPS has congratulated him and awarded a cash award of Rs.2000/-.”

And, when citizens had some problems which needed some action from the City Traffic Police, all that they needed was tweet or send a post. These pictures tells you just two of the many such stories. Yeah, these cops take the complaints registered on Facebook seriously.

And, they keep you updated about slow moving traffic, traffic diversions, etc  all to ensure you have a hassle free ride.

Good Morning Friends, Always Follow Traffic Rules. Subscribe to live traffic alert Give a missed call- 1800-123-0789 pic.twitter.com/asCk3hcTdP

— BTP (@blrcitytraffic) July 8, 2015

While, they are doing so much to keep the city roads safe, here’s why we should think twice before we complain about driving in the city. Are we at fault somewhere? Here’s a tweet that tells you.

@CPBlr. We have started a special drive against helmet less riding. Last week 29045 riders are booked for riding without helmet.

— Dr. M A Saleem, IPS (@AddlCPTraffic) June 29, 2015

Following the accounts also has other benefits — you learn how our cops are making us proud. They are extremely talented. (Not many mainstream media report such proud moments, wonder why)

Bangalore city’s police commissioner MN Reddi is the first police commissioner of Bangalore, who has used social media to the listen to the problems of the citizens and work on them accordingly. (Applause please)

So next time you have a problem or see a defaulter, you know there’s a simple yet effective way to reach out.

It’s time for the other cities to follow suit!

Also read:

Indian traffic police is helping in heart transplants. Yes, you read that right!

10 things Indians are really good at while commuting – Traffic rules, please excuse!

Bangaloreans’ nightmare: 10 traffic jams the city dreads