January 25: The Royal Bhutan Police will be able to respond to calls and reports of crime faster with the launch of what is known as Complaint Response Mechanism (CRM). The system was inaugurated yesterday morning by the Chief of Police Colonel Kipchu Namgyel.

It will enable the Royal Bhutan Police to respond to complaints of criminal activities faster. The new system can receive up to three complaints at a time.

The complaints will in turn be conveyed to mobile vans manned by teams of police personnel at different locations who will then move to the place where criminal activity was reported.

Colonel Kipchu Namgyel said the system will improve the police response to crime related incidents.

“Since the CRM would boost prompt police intervention, it is expected to discourage law breaking citizens and offenders from committing crimes. It is timely and appropriate for the introduction of such system subsequent to the community policing programme flagged off this winter with 225 youths. We now hope to improve the quality of our services and also foster community participation,” said the Chief of Police.

Residents who see or suspect criminal activities can call 113 toll-free but be cautioned. You are advised not to make crank calls. The system can register caller identification.

The inauguration was attended by the executive director of NCWC, representatives from RENEW and officials from government agencies and international organizations. The establishment of the CRM system was funded by NCWC, Save the Children US-Bhutan Program and UNICEF.