Ranchi police on Sunday launched beat policing system - an effective crime control tool that has been in use since the British era and prevalent in different parts of the country - in the capital's Kotwali area.

SSP Prabhat Kumar and city SP Jaya Roy jointly flagged off 22 two-wheelers carrying as many constables from Kotwali thana for better intelligence gathering and policing at micro-level at a time when crime graph is spiking in the district.

"Beat policing has been started at Kotwali police station, which covers around 5sqkm area. We have divided the area in 22 beats, each manned by a constable who will be responsible for gathering intelligence, identifying rogue elements and areas where illegal activities take place. They will maintain records and report to the station in-charge on the activities in their areas on a daily basis," SSP Kumar said.

Each constable has been given a bike and a mobile phone for quick communication. "People can directly contact the beat constable instead of going to the station in-charge, DSP or SP for help," the SSP added.

An ASI will act as the controlling officer for constables of four beats whereas a sub-inspector will be the senior controlling officer for two ASIs.

The state police department felt the need for beat policing in the aftermath of Patna serial blasts in 2013 when central investigating agencies established Ranchi's links with terror groups like Indian Mujahideen.

The department is now planning to improve policing across the district. "Beat policing will be introduced in other police station areas from August 25. Semi-rural areas like Namkum, Kanke and Ratu will be covered," said Kumar.

The police will also start a campaign from next week to make the common masses aware of the new system.