Bangalore City Police turns to social media; ties up with Havas Worldwide Matrix

The friendly neighbourhood police force just made an attempt to get friendlier. Bangalore City Police has pulled up its socks to further reach out to the citizens of Bengaluru, and what better way but to turn to social media, particularly in a city that is known to be the hub of technology.

The force has tied up with Havas Worldwide Digital Matrix to further its Police Community Engagement Programme.

The programme will also help the police to showcase and make citizens aware about various community initiatives - Elders Helpline (1090), Children Helpline (Makkala Sahayavani - 1098) and Women Helpline (Vanitha Sahayavani - 1091).

Havas Worldwide Digital Matrix, on its part, will put into place its expertise and help Bangalore City Police to establish an online media centre. The agency will also assist the police to build its own team of social media community managers. It will provide the cops access to the agency's online communication tool ReputeMe (www.reputeme.com) to help the community managers to listen, monitor and better engage with the people.

In a press statement, B Dayananda, joint commissioner of police, crime, says, "We are eager to build a community and reach out to more citizens through our social media programme. With social media fast turning into a medium for the masses, this programme will help us to enhance our reach and connect with the citizens on a personal level."

Ravi Shankar, chief executive officer, Havas Worldwide Digital Matrix tells afaqs! that the Bangalore City Police has always been keen to reach out better to the city's people and in addition to its offline platforms, was looking out to be on the social medium as well.

"As the community expands and disperses, social media comes across as a great platform to keep the community closer. This social media community will be highly engaging and will help the city police come closer to the community and reach the larger population of the city,"

says Shankar.

"We have the expertise. We gave Bangalore City Police the extra confidence. I see a firm commitment from the leaders in the force and we will help train them further so that they can independently manage these communities soon," he adds.