The Samaj Mitra project was launched on Monday at Zaverben Hall at Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar east, by Satyapal Singh, additional commissioner of police, north-east region. Initially supposed to be attended by 700 persons, the programme actually registered a turnout of over 1,000.

Singh said policing cannot be effective without the active participation and collaboration of members of the public. ``If you want a safer society, police can give it to you, but not without your help,'' he said.

The north-east region comprises 17 police stations from Kurla to Mulund and has had various problems including a spate of bank robberies, beer bar brawls, dacoities in jewellery shops, thefts and burglaries in residential areas.

Police have also now introduced theconcept of `foot patrolling.' From now on, they will patrol crowded areas in the north-east region on foot, sparsely populated places on motorcycles and during late night in a police cruiser van. The idea is to make the presence of cops felt at all hours of the day and at every spot in the region.

``We have also been given instructions to patrol around banks in the morning, jewellery shops in the evenings and beer bars and residential areas during the night,'' said assistant commissioner of police, north-east region, B N Chougule.

Chougule said police had begun enlistment of youths willing to help police. According to him, there are no qualifications or eligibility conditions, except for willingness, for these ``Samaj Mitras.'' However, those in the age group of 20 to 45 will be preferred.

The enlistment of youths, coordination with them and their mobilisation will be looked after at the police station level. The additional commissioner of police will give them external help, Chougule said.

Theprogramme, currently for residents of Ghatkopar east and west, will be soon expanded to include residents of Chembur, Mankhurd, Vikhroli, Bhandup and Mulund.