12,000 register for ‘Police Mitra’ scheme

Because of the positive and active participation of the friends of police we were able to control law and order situation better

JAIPUR: With a view to widen its reach, the Rajasthan Police have made 12,000 friends under the Police Mitra (friend) scheme in five months.

Under the scheme, any Indian citizen staying in Rajasthan can become the police mitra by visiting the police web portal, filling a form, and selecting one of the 23 options, which include checking crime, enhancing awareness on human rights, environment conservation, helping in social media topics and awareness on anti-social elements. The people can choose more than one option as well.

Director General of Police (DGP) Bhupendra Singh said that the scheme was launched in July last year by the state because policing is not only the job of police, but different stakeholders are also part of it.

“Because of the positive and active participation of the friends of police we were able to control law and order situation better. Till the end of December, 25,000 citizens had shown their interest to help police in becoming our f r i e nds. We have al r e ady accepted the request of 12,000 applicants,” said Singh.

According to official figures of the department, the police are examining the application of 8,300 people, while request of

BHUPENDRA SINGH, DGP

4,718 were discarded.

Hanumangarh district topped the list in making police friends. 24000 people had become police friends in the district between July and December. Following Hanumangarh, Jaipur city made 736 friends in this period of time.

Districts where people are still shying from becoming police friends are Dholpur-4 friends, Dausa-14, Sawai Madhopur-22, Jodhpur rural-24 and Kota city-48.

Former director general of police (DGP) Kapil Garg under whose tenure the draft of the scheme was prepared said that it’s a good thing people are connecting with police.

“I hope the number reaches in lakhs soon. The aim behind bringing this scheme was that there could be a constant flow of useful information between the police and the public. It can be very helpful in creating various paths for receiving the right information at the right time. It can also help police in correcting its negative image in the minds of the public, “Garg said.

He added, “The public will come to know of the good work being done by police. On the other hand, police will get the information of public sentiments on various issues. The FOPS should not expect any monetary benefits for their services either from the police or from the public.”

Any member of the public who is not involved in any civil or criminal case can become a member of this group. Any person who wants to become member has to send a letter to the superintendent of police/ deputy commissioner of police giving his details like name, age, and address and pledging his friendship.

After verifying the background of the applicant through the local police stations and other police sources, the applicant will be made member of the FOPS and thereafter he/she will be issued a membership card.

Rajasthan police started this scheme on the lines of similar scheme named as Friends of Police(fops) launched by Tamil Nadu police.