In a significant move aimed at rebuilding public trust and ensuring professional policing, the Karnataka Police headquarters has issued a comprehensive 18-point circular directing all officers and staff to adhere to the highest standards of transparency, courtesy, and integrity in their public dealings.
The circular, issued by Director General of Police (DGP) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. M.A. Saleem (IPS), underscores that the behaviour of police personnel is fundamental to effective law enforcement and maintaining positive community relations. It explicitly warns against the misuse of power and arrogant behaviour, stating that such actions “tarnish the dignity of the department.”
A Paradigm Shift Towards Citizen-Centric Policing
The directive, numbered No. CO/PS&MISC/167/2025, positions public trust as the “most valuable asset” of the police force. It mandates that every interaction with the public must be conducted with maximum professionalism, honesty, and transparency. The DGP reminded the force that the public’s respect and trust depend entirely on how each officer conducts themselves, both in uniform and in plain clothes.
Key Directives from the Circular:
- Transparency and Equality: All official dealings and procedures must be completely transparent. Every person visiting a police station must be treated equally, irrespective of their social or economic background.
- Patient Grievance Redressal: The public’s grievances must be heard patiently, and complaints should be registered without unnecessary delay as per law.
- Courteous yet Firm Conduct: Officers must always behave with courtesy and dignity, avoiding rude language or behaviour, while maintaining firmness in law enforcement.
- Zero Tolerance for Corruption: Personnel must completely refrain from making any demands or accepting any unauthorized favours or benefits from any individual or organization.
- Ethical Conduct On and Off Duty: Officers must be a model of ethical behaviour both during and after duty hours, upholding the department’s policies.
- Meticulous Record Keeping: Station House Diaries (SHOs) and case files must be maintained accurately, digitally, and comprehensively.
- Accountability in Investigation: Transparency must be maintained in investigative processes, with responsible action at every stage. Citizens should not be harassed unnecessarily.
- Sensitivity Towards Vulnerable Groups: Special care and sensitivity must be shown towards victims, women, senior citizens, and children.
- Information Sharing and Punctuality: Citizens must be informed about the status of their complaints and pending cases. Strict punctuality and time management must be observed for duty and official functions.
- Use of Body Cameras: Body-worn cameras and available technology must be used responsibly to ensure fairness in police-public interactions.
- Respect for Dignity and Judicial Cooperation: Officers must extend full cooperation to judicial and administrative authorities, respect the privacy and dignity of the public during searches, arrests, or interrogation, and shun any abuse of power or misconduct.
- Community Engagement: Police should actively participate in the community and organize public awareness programs to build trust through transparent, legal, and empathetic policing practices.
- Reporting Corruption: Any attempts to influence or corrupt police work must be promptly reported to senior officers.
Special Emphasis on Sensitive Handling of Women
The circular includes specific, groundbreaking guidelines for dealing with women, aiming to protect their dignity and safety:
- No Nighttime Summons: Women shall not be called to the police station after 6:00 PM for questioning or statement recording.
- Home-based Questioning: If a woman is a victim or an accused, her statement should be recorded at her residence in the presence of a woman police officer.
- Alternative to Police Station Custody: In criminal cases where women are arrested, they should not be detained at the police station. Instead, they must be housed in state-run shelter homes (State Homes) to prevent any indignity.
Professionalism in Appearance and Demeanor
The directive also highlights the importance of a professional appearance, noting that a well-groomed officer in a neat uniform commands public respect. It states that a neat uniform is a reflection of professionalism and discipline and is essential for effective police performance.
Strict Adherence Required
The circular concludes with a stern warning, stating that any deviation from these guidelines will be viewed seriously and will invite departmental action as per rules. All unit officers have been directed to ensure strict compliance by the personnel under their command.
This sweeping directive from the Karnataka Police leadership is being seen as a crucial step towards institutionalizing people-friendly policing and restoring the force’s image as a guardian of law and citizen rights.