Kolkata: There cannot be a rationale for police—knowingly or unknowingly—to go viral on social media: This was one of the social media guidelines laid down by Kolkata Policedays after Bengal Police introduced strict online norms for its personnel. Violation of the norms would invite disciplinary action, said an officer.
Rupesh Kumar, head of KP’s detective department, issued the norms earlier this week, copies of which have been sent to all the DCs.
The guidelines have been drawn up, based on the recommendations by the national police research organisation, the Bureau of Police Research and Developmentwhich works under the ministry of home affairs, which had prepared a social media policy for police.
According to the norms, no police personnel can post anything online about the progress in any investigation and they can’t post about any advance information on operations or sensitive duties, including the location, nature of work or activities of any officer. Officers must keep the location and geo-tagging systems on their smartphones turned off during such assignments and are prohibited from using any banned apps. No cop will be allowed to post any office-related information, photos or reels on social media. Additionally, national symbols, police badges and uniforms cannot be used in personal posts. Even photos of police vehicles, office chambers or buildings can’t be used in personal social media posts without the department’s consent. The guidelines, issued in Hindi, stated disclosure of the identity of a juvenile or that of a sexual assault complainant through social media was illegal.
The guidelines came at a time when, according to senior officers, younger cops were often found posting personal details, wearing uniform, online. “The respect for the uniform and police badge must be of supreme importance,” said an officer. “Dancing and singing in official uniforms send out a wrong message about a disciplined force, like that of police. If the directives are not followed, all such cops will face disciplinary action.”
The Lalbazar directive stated violations would be dealt under the Official Secrets ActCentral Civil Services Conduct Rules, Information Technology Act, and All India Services Conduct Rules. According to the national guidelines, also implemented by Delhi Police, policemen should also not post any statement, photo or video of departmental training, activities or duties online without a written permission. They should also refrain from posting comments that can be derogatory toward victims, suspects or any group, it said.
Rupesh Kumar, head of KP’s detective department, issued the norms earlier this week, copies of which have been sent to all the DCs.
The guidelines have been drawn up, based on the recommendations by the national police research organisation, the Bureau of Police Research and Developmentwhich works under the ministry of home affairs, which had prepared a social media policy for police.
According to the norms, no police personnel can post anything online about the progress in any investigation and they can’t post about any advance information on operations or sensitive duties, including the location, nature of work or activities of any officer. Officers must keep the location and geo-tagging systems on their smartphones turned off during such assignments and are prohibited from using any banned apps. No cop will be allowed to post any office-related information, photos or reels on social media. Additionally, national symbols, police badges and uniforms cannot be used in personal posts. Even photos of police vehicles, office chambers or buildings can’t be used in personal social media posts without the department’s consent. The guidelines, issued in Hindi, stated disclosure of the identity of a juvenile or that of a sexual assault complainant through social media was illegal.
The guidelines came at a time when, according to senior officers, younger cops were often found posting personal details, wearing uniform, online. “The respect for the uniform and police badge must be of supreme importance,” said an officer. “Dancing and singing in official uniforms send out a wrong message about a disciplined force, like that of police. If the directives are not followed, all such cops will face disciplinary action.”
The Lalbazar directive stated violations would be dealt under the Official Secrets ActCentral Civil Services Conduct Rules, Information Technology Act, and All India Services Conduct Rules. According to the national guidelines, also implemented by Delhi Police, policemen should also not post any statement, photo or video of departmental training, activities or duties online without a written permission. They should also refrain from posting comments that can be derogatory toward victims, suspects or any group, it said.
