Police should utiilse full potential of social media. It is not mere a tool to promote corporate communication. It can be helpful in controlling crime, intelligence gathering, investigation and public order maintenance and community policing. Human resources can be managed at reduced cost through this medium.
These views were expressed by former director of CBI Padmashri DR Kaarthikeyan in valedictory function of two-day workshop on 'Social Media for law and Order' organised by Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication today. He said the university is the best media university in the country and it has special recognition.
Kaarthikeyan said social media and digital platforms are changing private and public sectors. leadership in police department must embrace social media and update pattern of policing. It can be a tool for gathering evidence and information about suspects and identifying criminal networks. Underling importance of social media, he said social media has become a part of daily life and every one of four is active on social media.
This has given voice to common man. Referring cyber laws, Kaarthikeyan said, the laws are not sufficient and there is need to update them. Misuse of social media is at beginning stage in the country and would increase further, if proper attention is not paid. He said, prosecution under IT Act and for violation of the norms must be publicised so that people can realize that it is no free for all medium.
Chairing the valedictory function, university vice-chancellor Prof Brij Kishore Kuthiala said the one who does innovation always shows the path not only to the country but to entire world. Madhya Pradesh police has an opportunity to formulate structure for use of social media in law and order and put before all. He said, things will be carried out at administrative level but police officers at personal level too can use the technology for better output.
Addl DG (Police Reforms) Maithili Sharan Gupta said opinions for police reforms should be gathered through social media. Workshop coordinator and HoD of New Media Technology department Sasikala presented report. Head of Mass Communication Department Sanjay Dwivedi conducted the proceedings.
During discussion on 'law and order problems due to social media', senior journalist and author Vivek Agrawal said nudity is a big problem on social media, along with morphing. Cheating and forgery cases also come afore. He said, present situation and circumstance demand formation of cyber Army.
State spokesperson of AAP Neha Bagga said public is not aware of cyber laws. She put various examples of use of social media in solving various problems. Chairing the session, IGP Bhopal Yogesh Chaudhary said, social media is being used by large population but there is no maturity level in the use that is required. Chaudhary said all police stations in Madhya Pradesh are technology-savvy. Professor of lady Shriram College, New Delhi, Rachna Sharma conducted the proceedings.