Amid a growing number of incidents in which police personnel themselves are being booked in criminal cases across Karnataka, State Police Chief M. A. Saleem issued a strict warning to unit heads, directing them to enforce discipline and prevent misconduct within the ranks.
In a circular issued on Friday, Mr. Saleem said that police involvement in criminal activities was tarnishing the image of the department. He cautioned that any officer or staff member found engaged in illegal acts would face stringent disciplinary action. He laid out a series of directives for unit heads to strengthen internal vigilance and accountability. He said unit heads will be held responsible for lapses in implementing them.
This is the second such circular in two months, indicating the severity of the crisis in the department.
According to the circular, all unit heads must maintain close supervision over police personnel under their command. They should create awareness among staff about ethical standards, legal duties, and the consequences of corruption and crime, conduct training and sensitisation programmes regularly.
It further said that senior officers must immediately report any information on misconduct, illegal activities, or criminal behaviour of officers to Police Headquarters.
The circular directed the unit heads to address factors that may affect morale or lead to ethical lapses, strictly enforce the existing code of conduct and ensure no loopholes in implementation that could allow misconduct.
Overall, Mr. Saleem has directed unit heads to uphold the department’s integrity and foster a culture of accountability.
“Protecting the reputation of the department is the primary duty of every officer,” the circular stated, urging all units to maintain discipline and reinforce public trust.
Over 135 police personnel of various ranks, including 10 inspectors and 82 constabulary staff, have been suspended for their alleged involvement in offences ranging from robbery to corruption, from drug peddling to dereliction of duty and insubordination in this year.
This shows lack of discipline and corrupt practices being on the rise, a senior police officer said. Despite repeated reminders and circulars issued in this regard, such incidents are on the rise, he added.
Published – December 06, 2025 09:17 pm IST
