Indian police use text to calm and inform

Police SMS to the rescue of citizens – Newindpress.com

A few days ago, the city was rife with rumours that some unidentified schoolchildren were being kidnapped and taken to Gosala. Anxious parents made frenetic calls to the Police Control Room (PCR) on January 20 and in minutes the city was abuzz with the rumours spreading like wild fire.

However, how things changed quickly! Parents who were carrying their mobiles, were seen heaving a sigh of relief. A message from the police commissioner popped up on their mobiles, informing that the news was just a rumour and there is no need to panic.

That is the utility of the Emergency SMS System (ESS), introduced at the Vijayawada police commissionerate recently.

Smart. Very smart indeed.