Tackle crime together, says IGP
Prevention programmes more effective if police and public join forces
PUTRAJAYA: Crime prevention should be a responsibility shared by the police and the community, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
The country’s top cop said collaboration between police and people in crime prevention programmes should be encouraged if everyone wants the crime rate to go down.
“If all play their role, we will be on the right track to achieving our target of reducing the crime rate in this country,” said Khalid at the launch of the “Eye in the Sky” programme, a collaboration between Star Media Group and police.
It is a partnership between the Police Air Unit and Star Media Radio Group, where radio listeners, social media users and motorists are provided with immediate traffic updates.
The programme was launched in conjunction with the three-day 1Aman Week carnival held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, which ends tomorrow.
“Media giant Star Media Group’s collaboration will help us convey quick information and important messages to the public,” said Khalid.
“This includes the sharing of traffic congestion reports with the public. I was told that members of the Star Traffic crew have vast experience in traffic reporting.”
He noted the advantage Star Media Group has with its network of radio stations – 988 FM, Suria FM, Red FM and Capital FM – and its other media platforms such as The Star newspaper, The Star Online, TheStarTV.com and mStar.
“Although the police use their own social media platforms like Facebook, we think this is not enough, so having information broadcast over the radio helps,” he added.
“Eye in the Sky”, which has been going on for the past six months, puts a member of the Star Traffic crew on board a police helicopter with members of the Air Unit.
The Star Traffic crew is led by radio announcer Priscilla Patrick, who rotates with two other crew members to give traffic reports live from the sky.
“We go up three times a week, during the morning and evening rush hour. From above, we are able to assess the traffic situation and advise our listeners on travel times and routes,” said Priscilla.
Also present at the launch were Star Media Radio Group chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Aminuddin Mohd Rouse and Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Comm Datuk Rusli Ahmad.
The carnival, themed “Police and Community are Inseparable”, is a programme under the National Blue Ocean Strategy.
The carnival showcases fun family activities as well as a fireworks show, lucky draws, a bazaar, exhibitions and police displays.
Star Media Group is the official media partner for the 1Aman Week programme.