Police launch WhatsApp helpline

Coimbatore: The rural police have advertised a WhatsApp number, 7708100100, for quick redressing of public grievances.
The number will be useful for people, especially women who travel alone, to get in touch with police personnel, police superintendent R Pandiarajan said. “Women who travel in buses, when face harassment, should contact us on this number.We will intercept the bus and will take proper action,” he told reporters at the district police office on Monday.
“Anyone can contact police at any time to seek help. Women constables have been appointed to monitor the WhatsApp messages. They will inform the respective police station and swift action will be taken,” he said. “Women working in private firms and homemakers alike can seek help from the rural police if they face harassments from family members or strangers. Since most of them already use WhatsApp, it will be easier for them to get in touch with police. People can also share information about crimes against women, chain snatching, burglaries, accidents and illegal activities. They can share photographs and videos depicting crime.”
As many as 781 police personnel are working at 33 police stations in the district. The rural armed reserve police have 569 personnel. The SP had appointed 50 armed reserve police personnel at various police stations. Forty more cops will be posted soon.