Pramesh S Jain
A member of the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority has written to the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP),urging the police department to introduce mandatory alcohol testing and stricter monitoring of personnel deployed on night duty following recurring complaints of misconduct by some officers and staff.
In a letter addressed to the state police chief,Mohan Kumar Danappa,Member of the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority, said the police department,being a disciplined force entrusted with maintaining law and order, crime control and traffic regulation,must ensure the highest standards of conduct among its personnel.
The letter highlights allegations that some police personnel on night duty have been visiting roadside eateries and private hotels,consuming food without paying,engaging in arguments with hotel owners,using abusive language and,in some cases,assaulting members of the public.
It also refers to incidents of police personnel allegedly purchasing alcohol in uniform and consuming liquor while on duty.
Danappa further noted complaints that some officers stop vehicles unnecessarily during night checks and behave discourteously with motorists even when all required documents are produced and no traffic violations are detected.
Such incidents,he said,are frequently circulated on social media,tarnishing the image of the department and eroding public trust.
The authority member warned that the alleged misconduct of a few personnel not only brings disrepute to the police force but also causes the public to view honest and efficient officers with suspicion and disrespect.
To address the issue,he has requested the DGP to issue a statewide circular directing all police units and stations to conduct alcohol tests on personnel before they commence night duty.
He also recommended regular supervision of patrol vehicles,including emergency response vehicle staff,and surprise inspections and breathalyser tests during patrol hours.
The letter additionally seeks directions to ensure that these instructions are communicated to all officers and staff during daily roll-call sessions and enforced strictly across the state.
