Security alerts: SMS service planned to curb crime

LAHORE: The Punjab Police will soon launch a short message service (SMS) to send security alerts to banks managers and security staff at sensitive installations. Hammad Raza, a spokesman for police, said the department had acquired the software from a private firm.

“It will help check crime,” he said. He said the software would send a message to bank managers at opening, closing and break times. He said the messages would carry warnings regarding suspicious elements and advise measures to tackle security situations. “Messages will be sent to organisers of processions and security staff of important buildings. They will also be updated about security situation through social media, including Twitter and Facebook.” Raza said action would be taken against bank managers and organisers of public meetings if they did not follow the guidelines texted to them. He said Lahore Police would develop its website too. He said policemen would be allotted patrolling beats in all six divisions of the city. The spokesman said police officers would hold open courts at mosques to address people’s complaints and hold negligent policemen accountable.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2014.