Aizawl, Sep 28 (IANS): Close media-police relations are vital for better policing, a communications expert said here Wednesday.

"Media today cannot be 'managed' and that is why it has become even more important that the police maintain a good rapport with it for better policing," Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) professor K.M. Srivastava said at the opening ceremony of a three-day training-cum-workshop on 'Media Relations in Crisis Situations', organised in association with Mizoram Police.

The IIMC, in association with state police authorities, has been organising brain-storming sessions across the country.

"So far, the IIMC in alliance with state police authorities has organised 22 such training programmes across the country. Security forces would get better success if they properly maintain a close understanding with the media organisations," he said.

The three day workshop will also be attended by personnel from Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force and Border Security Force.

Mizoram's Director General of Police Lalrokhuma Pachuau stressed on the importance of maintaining good relations between the security forces and the media, especially in times of natural calamities and other crisis situations.

"In today's world, the media has become very powerful and could help the men in uniform to bring about peace and harmony. In times of crisis, the police has to know how to deal with media, what to say and what to show to the public," the police chief said.

"A media relations training for the security personnel is crucial for their effective and positive response whenever such situations arise," he added.