Chennai: The city traffic police are leaving no stone unturned to build a brand image and showcase their good work on their Facebook page. From this month, the department has been putting up weekly reports of cases booked by the department on auto checks, drunken driving cases and rash driving, on the social media and this is being well-received by the people. The page has also become an interactive forum where many complaints have been posted by people and redressed by the department.
According to official sources, this year the page received 1,200 complaints of which 1,100 were resolved. Officials say, "We initiate action on the complaints and then revert by posting the photo of the place with the change." The page was started in 2010 by the traffic police but was in stasis for long until early 2013 when it was revived. From 50 likes in 2010, the page today has more than 58,000 likes and is on an upward trajectory.
Officials also add that among the complaints, some are of specific nature like a bike being parked in front of a house, etc., and these are not taken up. "We look into cases which are useful to the general public," a police officer said. "This month, we have started placing data on autorickshaw checks, be it charging excess fares or not using meters. Cases booked for drunken driving and information on road diversions during important occasions are also being put on the page."
The department is also using the social networking site as a medium to make people aware of road safety with videos and catchy slogans. Top officials with the department say, "The page has allowed us to display the good work done by the force and also helped us to know the views of road-users." Many suggestions by page visitors have been helpful in formulating a plan or bringing change in the city, according to the police.
