Himachal Pradesh Police personnel from now onwards will not be able to post non-official content like reels and videos, and photos on social media platforms while in their uniform, as per the new directive — Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) — issued by the force.
The personnel have also been restrained from issuing any comment on government policies, decisions, and directions from the Police Headquarters.
They will also not be allowed to share information related to policing, investigation status, crime-related content, identity of accused or victims and videos of duty locations on their social media handles, said the official statement (SOP), which then adds that only authorised officers and employees would be given the permission to post on social media that too on departmental social media handles. Part of these official posts will include press notes, public awareness campaigns, and official information regarding law and order.
"These SOPs have been issued to maintain the dignity, discipline, and institutional decorum of the police uniform, to safeguard the public image of the police department, to maintain public trust, and to prevent the misuse of social media,” DGP Ashok Tiwari said.
What if a personnel does not obey SOP?
As per the SOPs, no police personnel will be permitted to upload reels, videos, photos, stories, or posts for entertainment, self-promotion, or sharing any religious, social, political, or personal views. And if these orders are violated, the consequence could be a departmental inquiry, suspension, withholding of increments, demotion, and even dismissal from service.
Besides this, criminal proceedings could also be initiated against the violator if any criminal elements in their posts are found, it added.
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