Shimla, 09 December (Daily Kiran) – To curb increasing misuse and indiscipline related to police uniform on social media, the Himachal Pradesh Police Department has issued a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) effective immediately. According to this new SOP, no police officer or staff member is allowed to upload reels, videos, photos, stories, or posts of entertainment, personal promotion, religious, political, or private nature on any social media platform while wearing the police uniform. This includes Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and all other social media channels.
The order clearly states that police personnel must use their uniform only during official duties, and wearing it for any social media activity is prohibited.
The Police Headquarters’ directive emphasizes that recording reels, videos, photo shoots, or posting personal or promotional content in uniform on social media is strictly forbidden. Such actions will be considered against the dignity of the police uniform and the institutional decorum of the police service. The department has warned that violating this SOP will be treated as serious misconduct, leading to departmental inquiries, suspension, withholding of annual increments, demotion, dismissal from service, and if necessary, criminal prosecution.
Under the new guidelines, no police personnel may comment on government policies, decisions of Police Headquarters or the government, ongoing cases, law and order situations, or official work on their personal social media accounts. Only authorised officers are permitted to share press notes, awareness campaigns, public communication, and official updates related to law and order on the police department’s official social media handles.
The SOP also highlights that misuse or uncontrolled use of social media can damage the police force’s credibility, impartiality, and discipline, necessitating strict restrictions. It instructs all district police chiefs, station in-charges, and branch heads to establish monitoring systems to ensure no employee violates these rules while in uniform.
If any complaint arises or any video, reel, or photo is found violating these norms, an immediate investigation and action will follow. The Police Headquarters has made it clear that non-compliance with this order will not be taken lightly, and strict disciplinary measures will be enforced without delay against those breaking the rules.
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(Daily Kiran) / Ujjwal Sharma
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
