PM: Need to change -ve perception about cops

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for the need to change the negative perception of police among the people while highlighting their role in the fight against terrorism, and emphasising the need for better conduct.

“Why is the public trust not increasing (in police) despite its officers laying down their lives to fight terrorism and to maintain law and order?” he asked, while virtually interacting with 144 probationary Indian Police Service (IPS) officers who completed their training at Hyderabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy.

Modi said India has strived for better policing for 75 years now. “There should be a new beginning to it now. What matters are your principles and intentions and this should reflect through your conduct.”

He asked the officers to be friendly with the masses and always prioritise the nation, and sought the views of the officers about how they could use their academic knowledge in policing. He said the job of an officer is very demanding. “I wish that you will use your strength to be better leaders in the police service,” he said. Modi emphasised that fitness and professionalism are pivotal to the work of a police officer. He added that police should promote the fitness culture. “This will also motivate India’s youth to be fit.”

Modi also interacted with an officer from the Maldives, trained at the academy. The Maldivian officer thanked the Indian government for the training.