Raj COP Citizen App: Digital Transformation in Policing

Title of the event: Raj COP Citizen App-Digital Transformation in Policing

Type of Event (Session): Guest Lecture

Date: 12^th April, 2025

Venue: Room no. 410

Name of Resource person with designation: Dr. Pragya Sharma

No. of Participants/Beneficiaries: 39

Name of the activity Coordinator: Shraddha Sharma, Part- Time Lecturer, IIS (Deemed to be University)

Objective of the Session:

The primary objective of the session was to educate participants about the features and functionalities of the RajCOP Citizen app developed by Rajasthan Police.

1. To highlight how digital tools like RajCOP enhance public safety, transparency, and police-citizen collaboration.
2. To discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing tech-driven policing solutions in diverse communities.
3. To encourage civic engagement by demonstrating how citizens can actively contribute to community safety using the app.

Summary/Description (max 500 words):

The Department of Management Studies and IISU – Internal Complaints Committee organized an insightful guest lecture on 12 April 2025 featuring Dr. Pragya Sharma, who spoke about the innovative 'RajCOP Citizen' mobile application developed by the Rajasthan Police. The lecture provided students and faculty with valuable insights into how technology is transforming public safety and police-citizen interactions in Rajasthan. 

Dr. Sharma began her presentation by introducing the RajCOP Citizen app as a pioneering initiative under Rajasthan Police's digital transformation program. She explained that the app serves as a comprehensive platform designed to empower citizens while enhancing policing efficiency through technology. The lecture systematically covered all key features of the application, emphasizing its user-centric design and multiple functionalities. 

One of the most critical features highlighted was the Emergency Help & RajCOP SOS system. Dr. Sharma demonstrated how this feature allows users to send immediate distress signals to the police with real-time location sharing, significantly reducing response times during emergencies. She particularly stressed the importance of the Travel Safety feature for women, explaining how it provides additional security layers for those traveling alone in the state. 

The professor then detailed the app's Complaint Registration mechanism, which enables citizens to file complaints digitally and track their status in real-time. She noted how this feature brings transparency to police procedures while saving citizens from unnecessary visits to police stations. The FIR Access & Download functionality was also discussed as a significant step toward police accountability and citizen empowerment. 

Dr. Sharma spent considerable time explaining the innovative Tenant/Servant Verification system, which helps residents verify the backgrounds of domestic help or tenants through police records. She described this as an excellent example of preventive policing that enhances community safety. The app's directory of Helplines for specialized services (Child, Women, Cyber Crime, and Tele Manas) was presented as another valuable resource for citizens. 

The lecture also covered practical features like locating Nearest Police Stations/Hospitals and the unique Calendar for Important Police Events, which keeps citizens informed about community policing initiatives. Dr. Sharma emphasized how these features collectively create a more engaged and informed citizenry. 

While praising the app's innovative approach, Dr. Sharma also addressed potential challenges including digital literacy barriers in rural areas, data privacy concerns, and the need for continuous technical upgrades. She suggested that Rajasthan Police should conduct awareness campaigns and digital training sessions to maximize the app's reach and effectiveness. 

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A where students raised thoughtful questions about cybersecurity measures, the app's adoption rate, and plans for future enhancements. Dr. Sharma's responses demonstrated her deep understanding of both technological and social aspects of digital policing solutions. 

This guest lecture proved exceptionally valuable in demonstrating how digital tools like RajCOP Citizen are revolutionizing traditional policing methods. Dr. Sharma's expertise made complex concepts accessible, while her balanced perspective – acknowledging both the app's potential and its challenges – provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of this significant digital governance initiative. The department looks forward to organizing more such informative sessions that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world technological applications in governance and public safety.