DGP launches I COP app to counter fake news

Ongole: DGP R P Thakur launched the I COP app, prepared by the Prakasam district police to respond immediately and counter fake news spreading in the social media, in the district police office in Ongole on Monday.

The DGP also launched Hitha- Samhitha, questionnaire booklet to inculcate awareness among the students on laws pertaining to protection of women and flagged off Sakhi teams, of women constables patrolling on cycle to ensure safety and security of women.

In his first visit to the district after taking charge as the DGP, Thakur and his wife Amitha participated in various developmental and police welfare activities in the district. At the district police office, Thakur launched the I COP app in the Galaxy Complex in DPO. District superintendent of police Bhusarapu Satya Yesubabu explained the features of the app and said that it has two modules, one for the department and another for the general public.

Using the app, the people can register complaints or report violations while the police personnel can register their grievances and track their status. With the same app, the public can report fake news spreading in the social media and police department can release notices and alert public countering fake news. The SP said that the same app can also be used for intelligence sharing by the department officials using a dash board.

After the DGP launching the Hitha- Samhitha questionnaire booklet, the SP explained that they had prepared a set of questions on the women safety Acts and the police teams would visit the schools and colleges to obtain response from the students after they are educated on the same.

He said that they believe that the booklet would educate the students on the laws and legal consequences, rights of victims of atrocities on women and bring change in society in near future. He announced that the questionnaire was available online also for the use of youth.

DGP RP Thakur said that the police department had already launched Cheruva programme to reach out to the public to learn their problems and grievances and appreciated the Prakasam police for bringing out the app and questionnaire booklet. He said that the app helps the department personnel and public to report issues without fear and track them until they are resolved.

He said that countering fake news and false information on social media helps the police a lot and it can be achieved with the app very easily. He advised the police personnel to learn technology and use it to increase the efficiency of the department.

He asked them to accept the suggestions from the public to provide best service to them. The DGP also announced that there were some good apps developed by the police in various districts and he was trying to bring all of their best features into one state-level app soon.

Later, the DGP flagged off the Sakhi women constables teams, who patrol at schools, colleges and busy areas in Ongole, Chirala, Markapur, Darsi and Kandukur to prevent crimes like eve teasing, ragging, etc.

The DGP, along with the IG of Guntur range K V V Gopala Rao and SP Bhusarapu Satya Yesubabu interacted with the police families to know of their grievances and distributed compensation cheques and compassionate appointment orders to the victimised police families.