Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], December 18 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday chaired a Directors General of Police-Inspectors General of Police Conference at police headquarters in Bhopal and gave necessary directives to the officials.

DGP Kailash Makwana informed that the conference was organized to review the implementation at the state level of the directives and actionable points emerging from the All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police held in Raipur under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the theme 'Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions.'

While addressing the conference, CM Yadav stressed the need for special initiatives to change public perception about the police and to improve communication between the police and the public.

'Police should share information about their achievements and positive activities with public representatives and the general public. Police officers should remain active through the media for better communication. The image of the police should be that of a helping force. Efforts should be made so that people look at the police with trust rather than fear and criminals should fear the police. Maintaining this trust is the police's biggest responsibility,' the CM said.

He added that encouraging community policing activities is essential to create a safe environment for women and children. The Chief Minister also advised police officers and personnel to remain alert and cautious about their language and behaviour.

The CM further said that in the present era, social media has emerged as a powerful tool as well as a serious challenge. He cautioned that misuse of social media has increased the spread of rumours, crime and misinformation, making it essential to identify misleading or provocative content in time and take prompt and effective action. He added that public expectations for immediate police assistance have increased in the age of social media, and therefore the police force must be technologically competent and well-equipped to provide swift help to victims.

Additionally, the CM said that to reduce road accidents, the police must work on both awareness and technology. He directed that accident-prone areas should be identified as black spots and special strategies prepared, along with regular patrolling, speed control, strict action against drunken driving and enforcement of traffic rules.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister stated that women's safety is among the top priorities of the state government and the police. In areas where the likelihood of crimes against women is higher, arrangements for special surveillance, regular patrolling and swift action must be ensured. (ANI)