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In several cases, citizens are unwilling to disclose
information on locally witnessed crime incidents in
fear of reprisals at the hands of criminal elements.
Sometimes there is information on very serious crime
such as unauthorised weapons, narcotic drugs, explosives,
contraband etc.
It may be remembered that Every
Citizen is a policeman without uniform and every policeman
is a citizen in uniform. Participation of
members of public in police working is very important
as is does not only help police but ultimately it helps
to public only.
How
people can help police
They can help police in two ways
a) In Investigation of
crime b) In prevention
of crime.
(a)
In investigation people can pass on valuable information
to police regarding
(i) Description of the accused/suspects
(ii) Number and description of the vehicle involved
in the commission of crime and the direction in which
it is speeding after the commission of crime.
(iii) Vehicle abandond in a public place for a long
time
(iv) Weapons
(v) Explosives
(vi) Countrabands
(vii) Narcotic drugs, etc.
The
members of public are also advised not to handle anything
or disturb the scene of offence till the arrival of
police which helps in collecting valuable piece of evidence
against the offender.
In
several countries abroad, there has been a crime_fighting
programme known as CRIME STOPPERS to deal with crime
while keeping the citizenry perfectly insulated. Of
similar lines, Mumbai Police has started a crime resistance
programme known as ALERT CITIZEN since May 8,1998.
Now,
citizens can call a hotline number 2633333, and report
and information in completed anonymity. The called gives
a fictitious birth date number, which is used as a code
for identification for follow_ups on the crime and for
and rewards that the called may be eligible for.
All
calls will be analysed by a Special Cell working under
the DCD (Operation) and will be passed on to concerned
police stations for further action.
Depending
on the kind of response that this programme attracts,
the operations may be turned over to citizen volunteers.
(b)
In the prevention of crime also members of public can
play a major role. Mere taking safety precautions in
one's own interest amounts to a major contribution.
The important tips for the members of public to be observed
in their day to day life are given in the earlier paras.
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