City polices website fails to click with public

KOCHI:  Public’s low response to the official website of the city police seems to be defeating the concept. Even, as public can directly inform the police commissioner about any illegal activities carried out in the city limits, the concept is dying out.With an eye to bring police and public closer, the website was launched in 2005. But very few people know about the such a service now. Through the police website, public can easily post their complaints directly to the police commissioner. Besides, the website provides information about the missing persons, police-related news, contact numbers of the police officers, police stations, hospitals and about the blood donors. Public can also post their suggestion to the police through the website. According to sources, very few complaints were filed in last one year. Most complaints are related to traffic problems like traffic violations, complaints against private buses and complaints against autorickshaw drivers for overcharging. Also, some complaints were filed against policemen. Interestingly, about 75 per cent of the complaints were sent by women. Traffic complaints were generally from M G Road and North area. Most of the narcotics-related complaints were from Mattanchery and Fort Kochi. Complaints on immoral trafficking were generally from Subhash Nagar, while those on prostitution were generally from KSRTC bus stand and railway station.“Even though this facility has been active for several years, very few people are making use of it. The public can post their complaints through the website. The facility will bring police and public closer. The police have taken action in case of genuine complaints that were sent through the portal. The address and ID of the informants about the illegal activities are kept secret. The portal also provides wide details about the police personnel and contact numbers to be used in emergency situations. Besides, important telephones numbers are also given in the website,” said M N Ramesh, assistant commissioner, Special Branch. The public can send their complaints and suggestions through the website www.kochicitypolice.org.