Public Perception of Police Must Change: Kamalasan Reddy
Karimnagar: Police officers need to shed the image of being harsh and unapproachable, said Kamalasan Reddy, Director General of Drugs Control Administration. Speaking at a passing-out parade for new constables, Reddy emphasized the importance of professionalism and good conduct in improving the public’s perception of the police.
The event marked the completion of nine months of extensive training for 1,351 constables from the Rachakonda and Hyderabad Police Commissionerates. It was held at two police training centers in Karimnagar and attended by senior officials, including Vijay Kumar, Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, who congratulated the recruits on their achievement.
Reddy highlighted the need for positive interactions between police officers and the public. Referring to a survey, he noted that while many people hold negative views of the police, 80% of individuals who had direct contact with officers reported positive impressions. He added that negative perceptions often stem from individuals who have never interacted with the police or visited a police station.
During his speech, Reddy praised the Telangana Police Academy for its comprehensive training program. He also commended the increasing number of highly educated candidates joining the force, describing this as a promising trend.
“Serving the public through the police department is one of the highest callings,” Reddy said. He encouraged the new constables to stay vigilant, continuously enhance their skills, and maintain their physical fitness. He also mentioned that recruits trained for the Armed Reserve (AR) branch could later take on civil duties if required.
Reddy reminded the recruits of their role in shaping the public’s opinion of the police. “You are the ambassadors of the police department,” he said, urging them to set an example and build trust through their service and behavior.
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Vijay Kumar Stresses Integrity and Reputation
Vijay Kumar, Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, addressed some of the pressing challenges faced by the police, including Naxalism, terrorism, cybercrime, and drug trafficking. He stressed the importance of tackling these issues effectively to strengthen the reputation of the police force.
He urged officers to serve with integrity, particularly when dealing with vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly. “When you serve with honesty and selflessness, public trust in the police will grow,” Kumar said.
In his motivational address, he compared police officers and doctors to divine figures, emphasizing their role in protecting and serving humanity. He encouraged the recruits to always strive for justice and work tirelessly to eliminate wrongdoing.
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Awards Ceremony and Closing
The event concluded with the distribution of awards to recruits who excelled during their training. The ceremony celebrated the dedication and hard work of the new constables, marking the beginning of their careers in law enforcement.
