Ahmedabad, Oct 27 (NationPress) The Gujarat Police initiated a groundbreaking program known as GP-SMASH (Gujarat Police – Social Media Monitoring, Awareness and Systematic Handling) on March 1, and has successfully tackled over 850 complaints, marking a significant step towards responsive and accountable policing, officials reported on Monday.

Launched by Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay, this initiative seeks to establish a real-time communication link between the populace and law enforcement via social media platforms. The project operates under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, according to the officials.

With GP-SMASH, concerns, complaints, and suggestions from citizens shared on platforms such as X are being addressed within hours. A specialized state-level team monitors posts around the clock, focusing on law and order, traffic issues, cyber fraud, corruption, and other public grievances, ensuring rapid resolution by tagging relevant district or range officials.

Every case is meticulously tracked until resolution, with status updates shared on the original post to maintain transparency. The initiative functions at three monitoring tiers -- state, range, and district -- guaranteeing swift coordination and follow-up.

Officials assert that GP-SMASH is not merely a digital oversight mechanism but a movement towards a tech-enabled, citizen-centric policing approach. It has bolstered public confidence and a sense of safety, allowing citizens to feel that the Gujarat Police are just a click away. Gujarat has consistently gained recognition as one of India’s safest states, supported by a proactive, technology-driven, and community-focused police force.

The Gujarat Police, guided by the state’s Home Department, has embraced modernization through initiatives like GP-SMASH, I-PRAGATI, and predictive policing systems that meld technology with public service. With robust surveillance systems, real-time monitoring, and quick response protocols, the state ensures security in both urban and rural regions.

Apart from law enforcement, Gujarat Police prioritizes citizen engagement, fostering trust through transparency, prompt grievance resolution, and active social media presence. From addressing cybercrime and traffic management to ensuring women’s safety with dedicated helplines and cells, the force has transformed into a model of community-focused policing, officials noted.