Thou shalt not be chatty,just be polite,fit and natty

For,the new Punjab Police Rules have laid out a decorum charter,under which,officers,while on duty,will refrain from consumption of alcoholic beverages,indulging in gossiping and chatting,excessive usage of telephone or other electronic gadgets for non-official purposes,playing cards or other games and running personal errands. Violations will be viewed as serious breach of discipline and sternly dealt with,states the rulebook,adding that officers should always be courteous,possess dignity and courage and cultivate trust of the people.

Reading the gospel that there is no such thing as a free lunch,it says that acceptance of presents,gratis supplies of any kind,free carriage or entertainment from subordinates or public is strictly forbidden. Touring officers will be asked to be scrupulous in ensuring that all expenses are paid for and ensure that payment reaches those to whom it is due. They will also be told that efficient performance of their duties will depend on the extent of cooperation they receive from the public.

Sloppily dressed men in khaki will not be taken kindly to. “Police officers on duty should be impeccably dressed. Their turnout,posture and body language should be worthy of admiration. Their actions in public should instill confidence in the minds of the public. They should do nothing to lower the image of the service in the eyes of the people,” underline the new rules. Interestingly,they will also be told not to “habitually communicate” with the media.

Moreover,they will have to religiously file annual property returns,which will be catalogued and published electronically for facilitating their provision under the RTI Act.

Police personnel of all ranks are forbidden to approach officials of other departments or non-officials for pressing individual claims in matters of transfers,punishments,appeals and other administrative matters. They will comply with the orders of postings and transfers at the earliest. No officer will be transferred with his superior from one wing to another and inspectors general of police will be required to pay due attention to the observance of this rule.

Besides,officers will not involve socially influential personalities to highlight their grievances or seek favours and not request for interviews with cabinet ministers,secretaries to the government or other senior functionaries without prior permission of the director general of police.

To ensure that the force is physically fit,all police officers above 40 years of age will undergo annual medical check-up,which will be done at government hospitals. Arrangements for the check-up will be made by the senior superintendents of police in consultation with the Civil Surgeon.