Karnataka police personnel told to follow traffic rules
In a move aimed at improving discipline and public confidence, the Karnataka Police Department has directed all police officers and personnel across the State to
In a move aimed at improving discipline and public confidence, the Karnataka Police Department has directed all police officers and personnel across the State to strictly adhere to traffic rules, following a recommendation by the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority. The directive was issued by Commissioner of Traffic and Road Safety Parashurama K. on July 29, instructing all police units, including traffic, law and order, crime and other wings, to ensure that personnel comply with traffic regulations at all times and serve as role models for the public.
The order follows a letter written by a member of the authority Mohan Kumar Danappa, on July 21, to the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), highlighting that police personnel entrusted with enforcing traffic laws were themselves frequently violating them. He noted that such incidents were regularly captured on video, circulated on social media, and attracted public criticism, tarnishing the image of the police department.
In his representation, Mr. Danappa pointed out that police personnel had been found riding without helmets, using mobile phones while driving, triple-riding on two-wheelers, parking in no-parking zones, driving on the wrong side of the road, and failing to wear seat belts while driving official and private vehicles. He observed that when law enforcement officers themselves fail to follow the law, it undermines their authority to enforce traffic regulations and erodes public trust in the police.
The circular directs all unit heads to sensitise personnel during daily roll calls and ensure strict compliance with traffic rules. Supervisory officers have also been instructed to monitor adherence and take appropriate action against violators.
The BriefWire