Pacific Epoch reports about an innovative idea from the Hangzhou police. They will start a police station service on Chinese leading instant messenger (IM) service QQ. Internet users will be able to report crimes, provide information for investigations and ask questions related to security issues.

However, a police officer will only be online between 8 and 9 PM. This is a bit strange in my opinion, if something happens you should be able to report it right away and not have to wait until 8 PM at night. But it’s a good start, and I think the idea should be followed in other countries. IM is one of the best ways to reach young people. This also shows how important IM has become, at least in China. This country already has more IM users than email users, especially young kids do not bother to set up an email account but only connect to friends through QQ.