Social media is one of the best platforms to communicate with thousands of people at the same time. It has played a vital role in spreading awareness among its users. Tech-savvy Mumbai Police have been active on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Their witty tweets have been very successful in conveying the right message at the right time to its followers. With over 5 million followers on their Twitter account @Mumbaipolice, Mumbai Police is actively spreading awareness about the ongoing pandemic which has affected their beloved Mumbai.
Mumbai Police, as well as the Commissioner of Police, has been continuously sharing vital information about the city so that citizens do not panic but adapt to the ever-changing situation more effectively and help them in fighting the battle against the Coronavirus.
After the launch of the Twitter account, Mumbai Police witnessed a constant growth in their followers, and their tweets have improved in their crisp and clear messages, wittiness and dialogue delivery, often being inspired by iconic film lines and characters, causing a strong youth following.
The COVID-19 pandemic has rattled Mumbaikars, making them scared, unsafe and vulnerable as they are witnessing a daily surge in cases. To build the citizens’ morale, city sleuths are posting awareness banners on their twitter account to spread positive as well as precautionary messages. In a recent post, Mumbai Police tweeted, “On a scale of 1 to 10, it is not at all difficult to take the necessary precautions. #Osafety #TakingOnCorona.”
The post reminded everyone that it is not an uphill task to take necessary precautions when stepping out of their homes.
For another tweet, they used as an inspiration a dialogue said by the character Mad Hatter from the film – Alice in Wonderland. It goes like this: “Q. Is it possible to follow the rules of safety? A. Only if you believe it. Don’t wander if it’s not necessary. Stay safe at Home Land. #NoWanderingAlice #TakingOnCorona.”
While a majority of offices are working from home due to the lockdown, cyber scammers are actively trying to pilfer money from bank accounts. Recently, the Mumbai Police received complaints regarding the sharing of fake links and fake messages being circulated on social media on money being deducted from bank accounts. These links, once opened, can hack phones with the help of a malware virus and exhaust every penny from the bank accounts’ apps on smartphones. While several fake messages are being circulated on various social media platforms creating a panic situation among local citizens, Mumbai CP, Param Bir Singh has tweeted some posts to create awareness to all stakeholders.
This is, however, not the first time the top cop has shared an important message with a creative twist. He recently took on fake news with the help of a popular meme #EverythingIsACake. His tweet, which became a hit with netizens sends a clear message: “This lockdown, bake homemade cakes, not homemade facts.” He also tweeted an image showcasing the message.
In another tweet, he shared a rather unusual image showing someone sleeping on their bed with a mask covering them instead of a bed sheet. The caption, shared with the tweet, adds context to the picture and makes the message clear: “Still not the correct way to use a mask. #Don’tSleepOnMasks,” it reads.
Disney movie Snow White’s dialogue, “Mirror Mirror on the Wall” is quite popular. The coolest Twitter account of Mumbai Police shared a tweet with the Snow White twist and left netizens impressed. Sharing a still from the Disney movie, they wrote, “Mirror-Mirror on the wall, who is the safest of them all? #MaskYourself #MasksAreAMust” The photo shows Snow White wearing a mask and taking precautions, as everyone should take during the coronavirus pandemic.
In another tweet, the Mumbai CP tweeted, “Our present might be a bit ‘tense’ but we do indeed have a bright future. Just follow the guidelines. #APresentForTheFuture.”
Reacting to Mumbai Police’s tweet, netizens complimented them on their creativity and said that they feel safe when Mumbai Police is around. A user wrote, “With you around, we know we’re the safest.” Another said, “Well said!”
“Today’s generations have been actively using social media to educate and to keep themselves updated. Due to this lockdown, such platforms have been seeing a steady increase in followers. Through our social media handle, we are trying our best to create and spread the awareness about cybercrime taking place and also the importance of social distancing and use of masks while stepping out of their homes. Several fake messages are being circulated on social media which created a panic situation among the citizens. Through our posts, we are educating and informing them what they should do if faced with such a situation,” said a police officer attached to Mumbai Police.
Citizen Talk
“I have been a follower of Mumbai Police’s Twitter account since its launch. The teams behind the tweets are too good. I have seen many people tweeting about the problem they are facing and I was quite shocked to see the quick response from the team. The city cops have already crossed 4.55 million followers. I congratulate them and I appreciate their efforts.”
Sushant Patil, A Resident of Mumbai
“All the best to the Men in Khaki! Though I am not a Mumbaikar, I am still a big-time fan of your work, especially the way you communicate. The creativity is brilliant and out of this world. Hats off to each one of you #MenInKhaki.”
Sheyral Mathews, A Resident of Dubai
Mohit Naik
