The Baharain interior ministry plans to introduce a "human rights hotline" next month, according to a top police official.

Police Media Directorate head Major Mohammed bin Dayna said the number could be called at any time by citizens and expatriates to report alleged human rights abuse by members of the security forces.

"This is part of a plan to reassure citizens and expatriates that we are there to help them and to listen to their grievances," Major Bin Dayna said during an informal interaction with the Bahrain media.

The meeting was held at the ministry headquarters at the Police Fort in Manama.

"A human rights panel is already functional at the ministry, but we plan to overhaul and re-launch it in a month's time," said Major Bin Dayna.

"As part of these efforts, we will place complaint boxes at all the police stations, similar to those at detention centres."

He said anyone was free to write in their complaints and drop them into these boxes.

"Each and every complaint will be looked into and redressed,'he said.

The official answered accusations that policemen were often seen to be rude and arrogant with the media.

"We are aware of such cases. However, we are trying to educate our own people in this aspect and we have seen an improvement already," he said.

"In the coming months, we shall see even more improvement."

Major Bin Dayna invited suggestions from the media representatives for the overall improvement of the force.

"We value your suggestions and anything you can suggest to help us improve ourselves to serve you better will be welcome," he said.-TradeArabia News Service