Bihar Police Enforces Strict Ban on On-Duty Reel-Making and Mobile Misuse
In a decisive move to curb misconduct and restore public trust, the Bihar Police headquarters has issued stringent directives prohibiting personnel from engaging with social media reels or misusing mobile phones while on active duty. Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar has mandated that any police officer or constable found watching or creating reels in uniform will face immediate disciplinary measures, including potential suspension.
Crackdown on Misconduct and Middlemen Operations
The fresh instructions from the DGP extend beyond digital distractions to address broader behavioral issues within the force. A key component of the new protocol is the outright ban on 'dalals' or middlemen operating within police stations, aimed at eliminating corruption and ensuring transparency. To enforce this, recording visitor details in official registers has been made compulsory, creating an audit trail to prevent unauthorized access.
DGP Vinay Kumar emphasized, "Misbehaviour at any level will not be tolerated. Immediate suspension and departmental action will be ensured against guilty police personnel." This zero-tolerance stance comes in response to a series of viral incidents that have tarnished the police's image, prompting a systemic overhaul.
Recent Incidents Spark Urgent Reforms
In recent weeks, multiple cases of police misconduct have surfaced across Bihar, leading to public outcry and administrative action. Notable examples include:
- A police officer in Nalanda was suspended after a video went viral showing him slapping an anganwadi worker.
- A woman police officer in Patna was transferred to police lines for assaulting a civilian.
- A constable in Saran faced suspension for misbehaving with a woman, highlighting pervasive issues.
These episodes, often captured on video and shared widely, have compelled the police headquarters to implement stricter oversight. Actions ranging from suspensions to transfers have already been initiated against erring personnel, with a recent official letter formalizing these measures.
Comprehensive Guidelines for Professional Conduct
To bolster discipline and accountability, the DGP has introduced additional rules targeting everyday practices. Unnecessary mobile phone use during duty hours is now strictly prohibited, addressing frequent complaints of officers chatting or browsing instead of performing their duties. Furthermore, all police personnel are required to set uniformed photographs as their WhatsApp display pictures on official numbers, promoting a professional digital presence.
The overarching goal is to improve police behavior and maintain law and order in Bihar, ensuring that the force operates with integrity and public respect. By clamping down on distractions and misconduct, the authorities aim to rebuild confidence and enhance operational efficiency across the state's police departments.