Sindh Police launch 'Talash' app to tackle street crimes

IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon has said that success can only be achieved against terrorism and other crimes with the use of technology and public cooperation.

He said that Sindh Police was increasing its capacity to ensure prevention of crimes with the help of technology so that the criminal elements, whether they are terrorists, street criminals, car lifters or fugitives from the courts, are not able to escape from the police.

He expressed these remarks during the launching ceremony of "Talash" mobile phone app at the Central Police Office in Karachi. Addressing the ceremony, Memon said that the app can be used as an effective weapon against criminal elements.

He said that in the first phase the app is being introduced in Karachi and soon its scope will be extended to other districts of Sindh as well. He said that the purpose of creating the software is to facilitate the investigation and increase the difficulties of the criminal elements and lower their morale.

Read more: Sindh police to modernise investigation dept

The IG Sindh said that Sindh Police was in process of taking measures such as making the investigation procedure completely separate and providing modern and quality training to the officers and employees associated with the investigation department. He said that a committee has also been constituted to make formal recommendations in this regard.

He said that Sindh Police plans to give body cameras to the officials, adding that he wanted the policemen to "work in-camera". Memon said that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has already released funds with the aim of making all police affairs more efficient and effective with the help of modern technology.

Speaking on the occasion, DIG IT Pervez Chandio said that the purpose of the "Talash" app is to tackle street crimes. "If you stop a suspect during a blockade, there is not enough time to fully investigate him or get information. However, if he has a criminal record, all his information will come up in the app with a single tap," he added.

Chandio said that the app will contain the data of 1.5 million criminals in the province including Karachi, adding that the verification process for the wanted criminals can also be performed via the app.

He said that fake number plates and driving licences can also be checked through the app. The suspects on bail can also be tracked by using the app.

The DIG IT said that the app also consists of police employment records which will help identify fake policemen, adding that it will also be useful in identifying an unknown dead body with the help of fingerprints.

He further said that the app can also be used to check whether an accused has been granted bail or not.