Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora has issued a directive to all Deputy Commissioners of Police and unit heads to “sensitise” personnel about refraining from posting reels and videos in uniform on social media. The move follows reports of a rising number of such incidents, which the Commissioner has termed as an “abuse of uniform”, according to a report by Indian Express.
The Delhi Police labelled such acts “unacceptable” and circulated a list of personnel found violating these norms, IE reported. A memorandum dated May 24 references the department’s social media policy and guidelines issued in August 2023, the report stated.
“It has been reported that in spite of the said instructions, a lot of police personnel have been found making and posting reels/videos on various social media platforms while wearing uniforms,” it noted. Officers have been asked to comply with the latest directive by June 15.
The guidelines clearly state that police personnel must maintain a distinction between their professional responsibilities and personal activities on social media. Posts that are inflammatory, derogatory or involve confidential information are explicitly prohibited.
The directive also prohibits personnel from engaging in posts or groups that promote religion, caste, political ideologies or violate rules of professional conduct. Content considered obscene, illegal or against national interest is also banned under the Delhi Police’s social media policy.
“Delhi Police personnel should ensure that their posts do not prejudge the privacy, performance, discipline and goodwill of the department or their colleagues or reflect negatively on the image of the department,” the guidelines issued two years ago read.