Karnataka police mulls SMS alert to complainants

The SMS alert initiative planned in the IT hub of the country is part of the reforms the Police Department has been implementing to improve its work force efficiency and make police people-friendly.

Karnataka DGP Ajai Kumar Singh said at a Police Reforms Interactive Session here"soon FIRs will have a column wherein you fill in your mobile number and SMS on the status of the complaint will be sent to you".

Training programmes with suitable syllabus has been designed to hone the investigation skills of police personnel from the ranks of constable to ADGPs and such programmes are being held in IIMs and Adminsitrative staff colleges of India, Hyderbad, Singh said.

Steps are being taken to reduce the stress level among police personnel, particularly among lower rung staff by providing them with a "weekly off" and a day in a month is devoted for hearing staff grievances, he said.

Karnataka is the first state in the country to have a separate fund for police investigation, he said and outlined a slew of measures like setting up of a toll-free help line in DGP office and on having every third sunday in all police stations as complaints or victims day to improve the working of the police department.

The introduction of annual awards to personnel in recognition of their good work has boosted the morale of the staff, Singh pointed out.