Connect with Mumbai Police on Copconnect

MUMBAI, INDIA: In the latest tech-savvy move, the Mumbai Police Department has launched a new website – www.copconnect.in, exclusively designed and built keeping in mind the younger generation of the city.

The site is aimed at youths and bids to connect the police department with younger generation.

“The Mumbai Police Commissioner had this idea of creating a website and wanted the site that could connect with youth,” informs Mumbai Police's Cyber Cell Committee member and IT expert Vijay Mukhi, who was involved with the Mumbai Police for the web initiative.

“Before the site was planned and designed, we had examined many international websites and portals that are youth targeted such as Facebook and others. We are trying to understand the latest trends that can help connect with the youths,” explains Mukhi.

Copconnect's appearance suggests as to how the police department has taken care to create a different look and feel to the site. The existing site, Mumbaipolice.org, which is meant for all generations, would also be functional, says Mukhi.

The site has been designed to bring in interactivity between the department and the youth. In doing so, leading from the front, Mumbai's Commissioner of Police, D Shivanand has started his blog on the site, where he tries to talk with youth and discuss social issues.

In fact, in his first blog post, titled 'Connecting with youth', the Commissioner says, “I feel fortunate that I can reach out to you directly via this simple, yet effective technology. I hope this blog opens up a dialog between the police and the young people of the society.”

Importantly, it's a welcome step in initiating a communication or dialog between the police department and youth and, the citizens at large, particularly in India, where majority of population still hold fear and avoids interacting with police department.

In reply to commissioner's blog post, a young citizen comments, “I really appreciate initiating this kind of a blog as it is the best informal way of interacting.”

The site also focuses on social issues such as alcoholism, drug and tobacco abuse and invites non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to get registered with the department and work jointly in fighting social evils in the society.

From the user perspective, the site offers latest local news, information and details about events in the city, along with web links of key government departments and offices.

Also, users can download various forms and applications such as police clearance certificate (PCC), police no objection certificate (NOC), passport verification form, arm license applications and many more.

It's not for the first time that such a website has been launched by the police department. However, if other states and departments also make such initiative, that would help in breaking the ice and bring in better understanding, communication and governance. What do you think?