20 commandments to Chennai Police

We have to wait and see if this might turn out to be a new dawn in the History of policing in India. We have heard many reformations proposed, but all of them have disappeared into thin air. But when the Chennai city police Commisioner Mr K Radhakrishnan had issued the 20 commandments to his fellowmen in the department, we are waiting with our fingers crossed if it would prove to be beneficial to the public. Though I do not have the whole list of the 20 commandments, I had helped myself by gathering some crucial points from the newspapers and electronic media.

The fact that Mr Radhakrishnan has focussed on the presentability of the policemen and women is highly welcome. The very first point in the circular issued to all police stations within the city limit is that the police personels should present themselves better. They should wear well ironed and neat uniform and look smart. This would defenitely earn them more respect than what they have got now from the public. The next priority is given to punctuality. The staff should be present for the 7AM roll call, without fail.

From now onwards it might be difficult for you to spot a policeman in a bunk shop smoking or having tea, or even a policewomen resting at the shades of a tree or a shop. These activities by the Men in Khakhi is highly condemned by the Commisioner of Police, and they are asked to refrain from such acts. During the bandobast duty for VIPs in the city you might have got to see this practice often. From now onwards the personnel will wait in the sun or rain and be alert all the time when they are in duty.

And morover, the most critical and significant point mentioned is the following one. "Before you advise anybody not to smoke, or to wear a helmet, or to follow traffic rules, you should be an ardent follower of all these". Bingo!! The same thought might have cropped up inmany of us. A policeman can ride freely without a helmet, Can we?,,Now even they cannot?


Morover the commisioner has thought over another major plan, which is followed mostly by IT firms. The plan is"The fit sails along, the mediocre stay afloat, while the unfit has to go". Yes! Policemen cannot be rest assured that their job is safe. Slack policemen may face the heat if their performance continues to be poor. Flagging off this plan, the policemen involved in the Law college students' brawl have been temproarily suspended or have been handed over transfer orders. Now see who is facing the heat???

Some more important points are to respect the public who approach them(So that they reciprocate). In any situation the problem of the approaching public should be immediately dealt wth, and people should feel comfortable to approach them anytime. These things are already on the path of a change. I heard one citizen tell "I had recieved a post from the Chennai police to pay a fine of Rs.50 for a traffic violation done sometime back. When I went to the Mambalam Police station, I was in for a pleasent surprise. I was welcomed and offered a seat and I had been treated with utmost dignity. I was even offered tea. Chennai police have already begun changing." Yes indeed! they are changing and as ctizens of this charming city, lets join hands to help our city's saviours keep up the good work, and ofcourse improve and do much better.

I would like to thank my primary source of information - The Times of India, Chennai news daily and Radio Mirchi 98.3, Chennai.