Kerala Police have decided to avoid routine vehicle checks and petty case arrests. DGP Loknath Behra submitted directions to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on changing the behavior of the police in the Covid19 context. The district police chiefs and unit chiefs have been instructed by the DGP to implement the new system from today. The instructions were prepared by a team led by Headquarters ADGP Manoj Abraham. Below are the main suggestions:
- No regular vehicle inspection.
- No arrest in case of bailable offense. Arrest only in serious cases.
- Traffic duty is only in busy and important places.
- Instead of paying a penalty for a traffic offense, suggest paying in the bank.
- Only 50% of employees at offices and units, Rest 50% can take rest.
- 7 days of work 7 days of rest should be practiced.
- Police duty should be informed by phone every evening,
- Instead of coming to the police station, go directly to the place of duty.
- Once the duty is over, you can return to home after informing the station house officer by phone.
- Complainant’s statements should be recorded via video conference or video call.
- Police parades, classes and role calls should be avoided.
- No Friday parade until further orders.
- Staff on duty at the stations should not take rest in groups.
- You should be allowed to go home after duty. Don’t go elsewhere.
- Safety equipment should be provided to police personnel on duty.
- Bring food and water from home. Do not rely on outside food.
- Police officers should be advised to eat healthy. Do not come to duty on an empty stomach.
- Exercise and yoga should be advised to do it daily.
- Wear a uniform that is washed and cleaned daily.
- In case of illness or fever, immediately notify higher officers.
- An officer shall be assigned as a welfare officer at police stations and units.
- Homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicines can be given to police to enhance their immunity.
- Higher officers must provide daily instruction via online, WhatsApp and SMS.
- The services of CCTV, camera and helpline should be utilized more.
- Public should be discouraged from reaching the stations with complaints. Encourage them to use Email and WhatsApp.
- Janamaithri police should not enter houses.