Birbuum district police will host an open online session via Facebook live on Monday evening to raise awareness on police functions and hierarchy, and clear people’s “misconceptions”.

Police sources in Birbhum said the online session would strengthen police-public relations, something chief minister Mamata Banerjee also stressed the need for in several recent meetings.

The event was to be held on the eve of Police Day celebrations on September 1, but was deferred as former President Pranab Mukherjee died on August 31.

The online session will start at 7pm on Monday on the official Facebook page of Birbhum district police, where seven senior officers, including women, will answer questions.

“In many cases, we found that misconception and bad ideas about the police start after they talk to a constable or a junior officer at a police station, and they don’t know where to go further (who else to talk to). We will explain the details of police administration, including how we work,” said Birbhum police chief Shyam Singh. “It will help us strengthen the bond between police and the people.”

“We will give an idea about uniforms and how people can understand the designation of the cop in front (of them). Many people seem to think that more stars on a uniform means more seniority,” said Singh.

Police will reply to queries on steps to take if anyone faces trouble at local police stations, and development of cases. A senior officer said some people think they need to pay police to file a complaint, but they need to know that the police service is “completely free”. “The aim is to minimise, if not eliminate, misconceptions.”

As part of Police Day celebrations, Covid-19 warriors of Birbhum police will also donate their plasma.