Image makeover: Dress neat and exude discipline, Karnataka police chief tells personnel in 18-point directive

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To improve the image of the police department, the Karnataka police chief has instructed personnel “to maintain a neat appearance and proper uniform standards”. This is among the 18-point direction given by him to the rank and file.

In a circular issued earlier this week, Director-General and Inspector-General of Police M.A. Saleem said that “a well-dressed officer commands respect in society and reflects discipline and professionalism”, urging ranks and file to take pride in their appearance.

In the 18-point circular, Mr. Saleem emphasised on “creating a better perception and showcasing transparency, accountability and courteousness while on duty.”

Not force, but service

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Saleem, said, “Police should not be seen as a ‘force’ but as a ‘service’. Every officer part of the service should have discipline, be courteous and transparent while performing his duty,” he said, while adding that the directions are also for the personnel who perform their duties in mufti (plainclothes).

“Police personnel should behave courteously with the people visiting station irrespective of their status and redress their issue without delay. The police should have high moral standards even off duty, “ Mr. Saleem said.

Treating women

The circular, among other things, stated that women and children visiting stations should be treated with respect and care, and in case of inquiries, officials should refrain from summoning women to the station but should conduct inquiry at their residence in the presence of a woman police officer. The accused women should not be kept in the station at any cost beyond 6 p.m., and in case of arrest, she should be handed over to the state home for women.

The State police head also reminded the police personnel to wear body cameras for transparency and accountability. Addressing the issue of police often turning away public saying that the complaint lies beyond their jurisdiction, the circular said that in such cases, a zero FIR should be filed at the station before being referred to the one concerned.