Kolkata: There is a need for communicative policing apart from 'rough and tough' approach, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday. Referring to police role in tackling agitational programmes which at times turn violent, Banerjee, who also holds the Home portfolio said, "In today's world, policing has to be done with common sense more than lathis and gas."

This sometimes help avert the situation, she said while speaking at a programme of the West Bengal police. "We must solve a crisis without using force, by using our minds. Some people are trying to incite riots. Police's work has become even more crucial", Banerjee said.

"Earlier so many incidents went unreported. In the age of social media, everything is easily covered", she said asking the police to be more alert. Referring to the works done by her government to improve the facilities for the police force in the state after coming to power in 2011, she said, "The State Police did not even have any headquarters. We set up one. Next year when I come for this event, I want to see West Bengal Police as the best force in the country."

"We have created 57 new police stations, 20 new women's police stations, 14 postal police stations and 5 cyber police stations", she said. Lauding the police force she said "There may be criticism for a few minor slips, but in majority of the situations, the police performs its duty in a good way. "We have started housing scheme for police force," she said.

Constables who serve for 15 years can now be transferred to their home districts. We have set up Gramin Police for better communication with rural people", she said.

She said that the government had formed 5 new police commissionerates in the last three years and added that some people did not see the humane side of the police. "The police also have a family. They work round the clock, everyday of the year. This is exemplary", she said.

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