New Himachal Pradesh Police chief Atul Verma has issued an order barring all employees of the force from making or posting any reels or videos in police uniform on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and X.
Director General of Police Verma, who recently took charge from Sanjay Kundu, has issued a detailed order titled “Uploading of photos, videos, reels, etc. by police personnel in uniform on non-police issues in social media platforms”.
In the letter, the DGP said that it had come to notice that some police officials or personnel were uploading on social media platforms their photos, videos, reels or stories in uniform, which were unrelated to police duties.
“This conduct is against the rules and norms of the police department and the content that is not connected to official police work may adversely affect the department’s reputation. The police uniform is a symbol of commitment, dedication and accountability towards the public. As such, it is imperative that its use in any public or digital forum reflects these values. The content that is not connected to official police work may adversely affect the department’s reputation,” he said.
He said since social media played a significant role in shaping public perception, inappropriate content could undermine public trust in law enforcement agencies, therefore, it was important to maintain the dignity and image of the department.
“All the district superintendents of police, commandants, unit in-charges and supervisory officers are hereby advised/directed to sensitise all police personnel under their command and control to strictly abstain from posting or uploading photos, videos, reels or stories in uniform that are unrelated to police duties on social media platforms. The police personnel should also be sensitised to abstain from commenting or sharing information on policing and official work on their private social media accounts.
“Rule 11 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 lays down that a Government Servant may not communicate directly to other Government servant or to non-official persons or to press any documents or information which may have come into his possession in the course of his public duties…. Only official social media accounts are permitted to share official information by personnel who are duly authorised by the competent authority in this regard. The controlling officers to ensure compliance and strict action in this regard. Any negligence in this regard shall be viewed seriously,” said the DGP.
