Kochi, Feb. 6 : Blackberry, one of the latest in advanced mobile technology instruments, recently drew much attention after the new U. S President Barack Obama got a special handset for himself while defying security concerns. But in Kochi city of southern India, it could be a major blessing for local cops.

As part of the total modernisation of intelligence system after Mumbai attacks, the Kerala State police are using Blackberry to check the movement of intruders, traffic violators and to control vehicle thefts in the city.

Not just that, the Blackberry is also helping the cops here to control crime in a small coastal port city Kochi.

On experimental basis, three Blackberry sets have been issued to the constables and Inspectors of traffic department in Kochi City, as part of pilot project.

Depending upon the success of the initiative, all cops on roads may get one for themselves soon.

The Police officials say this is for the first time that Blackberry system has been used by police for crime control here.

Launched by Kerala Government, on the initiative by police department, the technology has been provided by Vodafone (Kerala) with the assistance of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

As per the new system, once the vehicle number or the license number of any individual is recorded into the handset, within no time the officer can assess complete details from the server installed in the traffic control room.

"It is not just a time-saving system to get to the details about the offenders, at the same time, traffic enforcement will be more effective," said Manoj Abraham, Commissioner of Police, Kochi City.

"Each handset would be costing around Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 and if found successful the project will be implemented in other major cities of the state," said the Commissioner of Police.

It helps in collecting information regarding registration details of any vehicle, driving license information and other details like whether the vehicle was involved previously in any other offence and will also help cops to register cases on the spot.

These handsets have a portable wireless printer with which challans can be issued on the spot to the offender (ANI)