248. Members of the Indian Police Service are governed by the All India Services (conduct) Rules, 1968 hereinafter referred to as the `I.P.S. rules'. Police officers other than the officers of the Indian Police Service are governed by the Karnataka Civil Services (conduct) Rules, 1966 hereinafter referred to as the `State rules'.
249. The principles and code of conduct of the Karnataka State Police Force are enumerated in orders 1 to 16.
250. (1) Every Police Officer shall at all times maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty and shall do nothing which is unbecoming of a police officer.
(2) No police officer shall in the performance of his duties or in exercise of the powers conferred on him :-
(i) act otherwise than in his best judgement except when he is acting under the direction of his official superior and shall obtain such direction in writing, wherever practicable, and where it is not practicable, shall obtain written confirmation as soon thereafter as possible.
(ii) evade the responsibility devolving legitimately on him and seek instruction from, or approval of a superior authority when such instruction or approval is not necessary in the scheme of distribution of powers and responsibilities.
TAKING PART IN POLITICS AND ELECTIONS
251. The expression ‘Political Movement’ appearing in Rule 5 (1) of both the categories of the rules mentioned above includes any movement or activity tending directly or indirectly to excite dissatisfaction against or to embarrass the government as by law established or to promote feelings of hatred or enmity between different classes of subjects of the Indian Union or to disturb the public peace.
252. A police officer shall be deemed to have permitted a member of his family or a person dependent on him, to take part in, or to assist a movement or activity within the meaning of rule 5 (2), if he has not taken every possible precaution and done everything in his power, to prevent such a person so acting or if, when he knows or has reason to suspect that such person is so acting, he does not at once inform the State Government or the officer to whom he is subordinate.
253. A police officer who issues an address to electors or in any other manner publicly announces himself or allows himself to be publicly announced as a candidate or prospective candidate for election to a legislative body or local authority will be deemed to have taken part in an election to such body, within the meaning of rule 5 (4).
254. Seditious propagandism, or the expression of disloyal sentiments by a police officer will be regarded as a serious breach of police conduct.
CONNECTION WITH THE PRESS, RADIO OR TELEVISION
255. “Prescribed Authority” specified in Rule 9(ii) of the State Rules’ is the Director General of Police. Police officers should not habitually engage themselves in the activities of broadcasting on radio, telecasting on a TV or contributing articles to the press, even in a purely literary, artistic or scientific character, though permissible under proviso to rule 9 of the ‘State Rules’ and Rule 6 of the `I.P.S. Rules'.
256. A Police officer who is invited or who wishes to deliver a broadcast or televised talk should intimate the Director General of Police through proper channel, the subject on which he proposes to talk and if it is on the subject directly or indirectly connected with his official duties, or if so required, shall submit the full text of the talk for his approval before it is delivered.
PUBLICATION OF BOOKS
257. Even though a police officer is not required to obtain the sanction of the competent authority for publishing a book etc., on a purely literary, artistic or scientific subject, he has to obtain the sanction of the prescribed authority for accepting any remuneration for the work from a source other than the consolidated fund. Similarly, in cases where a police officer is required to obtain the sanction under Rule 6 of the I.P.S. Rules or under Rule 9 of the State Rules for the publication of the book etc., the said sanction does not automatically imply sanction of the competent authority under rule 13 of the I.P.S. Rules or Rule 16 of the State Rules, and in cases where the provisions of these rules are attracted, specific sanction thereunder is necessary. The competent authority may also decide whether any portion of such remuneration received by a police officer should be credited to the government.
258. There is no objection to giving fare-well entertainment on the occasion of a police officer’s retirement or transfer provided it is of a substantially private and informal character. But no police officer shall accept gifts of more than trifling value as specified in Conduct Rules at the time of transfer or retirement.
PUBLIC FUNCTIONS IN HONOUR OF GOVERNMENT SERVANTS
259. The provisions of Rule 15 of the State Rules and Rule 12 of the I.P.S. Rules will apply to all similar manifestations in the case of the Police Officers at the time of retirement from active service and designed as an acknowledgement of acts done by them while in the service of Government.
ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT SERVANTS’ NAME WITH PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
260. The Association of the names of serving police officers with public institutions or works, such as libraries, hospitals, schools, roads, buildings, etc., is prohibited. Similarly, police officers are prohibited from associating their names with such objects as shields, trophies, prizes, medals and cups. In exceptional circumstances and in the case of retired police officers the prior sanction of government should be obtained. These orders equally apply for the association of the names of members of the families of police officer.
PRIVATE TRADE OR EMPLOYMENT
261. Police officers may take part in the promotion of co-operative societies, but no police officer shall, except with the sanction of the competent authority, hold office in any co-operative society or serve on any committee appointed for the management of its affairs, unless the society is composed wholly of police officers or partly of police officers and partly of other Government servants in the Police Department. The superior police officer should get the previous sanction of the Director General of Police, while the subordinate officers should get the written sanction of the Superintendent/Deputy Commissioner concerned.
262. A Police officer who is a member of a co-operative society composed wholly of police officers or partly of police officers and partly of other Government servants, in the police department may accept remuneration for keeping the accounts of the society, with the sanction of the Director General.
263. Subject to the sanction of the Government or the Director General referred to in order 261, Police officers may hold office in co-operative house building societies or serve on any committee appointed for the management of the affairs of such societies.
Explanation :- Co-operative house building societies shall include all types of co-operative societies whose object is the construction of houses for their members or the grant of loans for such construction to their members.
INVESTMENT :
264. Notwithstanding anything contained in rule 21 of the State Rules the Police officers are at liberty to become members of and to make deposits in co-operative societies registered under any law in force.
UNITS/FIXED DEPOSTS/NSCs, ETC. :
265. Sale or purchase of Units of Unit Trust of India, Treasury Savings Deposits, National Savings Certificates is a transaction in movable property. If the value of any such transaction exceeds Rs.10,000/- in the case of a superior police officer or Rs.5,000/- in the case of a subordinate police officer, a report should be submitted to the prescribed authority within one month of every such transaction. The police officers should also report to the prescribed authority about the money invested in fixed deposits in the banks and the money withdrawn from such deposits if the amount of such deposits exceeds Rs.10,000/-.
LENDING AND BORROWING
266. The provisions contained in Rule 21 (4) of the State Rules and Rule 14 (4) of the I.P.S Rules shall not apply to the borrowing of money by any police officer from any co-operative society registered under any law for the time being in force, if such police officer is a member of such society.
267. If a police officer wants to take a loan from any society not falling under the preceding order, he must first obtain sanction of the Director General.
268. The prohibition as regards the lending and borrowing of money prescribed in Rule 21 of the State Rules and Rule 14 of the I.P.S. Rules applies to all loans, credits, advances, supply of articles or accommodation at unduly low rates, or for insufficient consideration and to sales of property for exorbitant prices.
269. The fact that a police officer lending the money is acting as an executor, administrator, or as a trustee without profit or advantage to himself, in no way affects the prohibition.
270. A police officer who belongs to a joint Hindu family carrying on the business of money lending as an ancestral profession may be exempted by the Director General from the prohibition, provided he takes no active share in the business and is not employed in a district in which the transactions of the firm, are carried on.
INSOLVENCY AND HABITUAL INDEBTEDNESS :
271. If a police officer is adjudged or declared insolvent or has incurred debt aggregating to a sum which in ordinary circumstances, he could not repay within a period of two years or if a part of his salary is frequently attached for debt or has been continuously so attached for a period of two years or is attached for a sum which, in ordinary circumstances, he could not repay within a period of two years, he may, unless he proves that the insolvency or indebtedness is the result of circumstances which, with the exercise of ordinary diligence, he could not have foreseen or over which he had no control and has not proceeded from extravagant or dissipated habits, be presumed to have contravened the provisions of this order.
272. A police officer who has been removed from the service on account of insolvency will not be eligible for re-employment in any branch of the public service
MOVABLE, IMMOVABLE AND VALUABLE PROPERTY :
273. The restrictions imposed on the acquisition of immovable property by purchasing or taking it as a gift apply equally to the acquisition of land under the Darkhast Rules.
274. The circumstances, the prices offered or demanded and in the case of disposal by sale or otherwise the method of disposal should be furnished while seeking sanction contemplated in rule 23(2) of the State Rules and Rule 16 (3) of the I.P.S. Rules.
FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS :
275. (1) When a superior police officer purchases any movable property exceeding 10,000/- in value for the construction or extension of a house, he shall report it to the prescribed authority in the following manner :-
(i) before starting the construction/extension, he shall report or seek permission, as the case may be, in Form No.28 A, and
(ii) after completing the construction/extension, he shall report in
Form No.28 B.
(2) Similarly,, a subordinate police officer shall submit such reports when he purchases any movable property exceeding Rs.10,000/- in value for the construction or extension of a house. The details in these forms shall be furnished wherever it is possible to do so. Where however it is not possible to furnish details, the officers shall mention the covered area, on which the building is proposed to be erected, and the estimated cost of the building.
276. Where the expenditure to be incurred on repairs or minor construction work in respect of an immovable property exceeds Rs.20,000/- in the case of a superior police officer or Rs.10,000/- in the case of a subordinate police officer, prior sanction of the prescribed authority should be obtained.
277. The powers of sanction in respect of movable or immovable property are given below :-
|
OFFICERS EMPOWERED TO SANCTION
|
EXTENT OF DELEGATION |
|
(a) Superintendent of Districts or officers of the corresponding rank of other units in the Police Department. |
Acquisition and/or disposal of immovable property or movable property exceeding Rs.10,000/ in value in respect of Head Constables, Police Constables and D’ group Officials. |
|
(b) Commissioner/Deputy Inspectors General |
Acquisition and/or disposal of 1. Immovable property not exceeding Rs.50,000 in value, 2. Movable property worth Rs.10,000/- in value in respect of C group officials excluding Head Constables and Police Constables. |
|
(c) IGPs/ADGPs |
Same as (d) below |
|
(d) Director General |
Same as under (b) in respect of applications from B group officials |
When the value of the immovable property is more than 50,000/- in the case of group B and C officers and in the case of all transactions by group A officers, sanction of the Government should be obtained.
RETURN OF IMMOVABLE PROPERTY :
278. By the 31st March of each year, a report in form No.1 & 2 of 1994 should be prepared by every police officer and sent directly to the officer or the government, as the case may be, as specified below :-
1. Police officers of and below Superintendent of Police or officer
the rank of Sub-Inspectors of equivalent rank
2. Police Inspectors or officers IGP/Deputy Inspector General of Police
of equivalent ranks or officers of equivalent rank or
Commissioner of Police
3. Deputy Superintendents of Director General of Police
Police or officers of equivalent
ranks.
4. Police officers of and above the Government
rank of Superintendent of Police
279. The reports should be for the immediate preceding calendar year and sent in separate sealed envelopes super scribed as follows :-
“Statement of immovable property furnished under Rule 23 (1) of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1966 (or) Rule l16 (1) of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 on first appointment (or) for the year ending .................................................(Name in Block letters, service cadre and designation of the officer)”.
CUSTODY OF PROPERTY RETURNS :
280. The return should be filed in a separate file to be opened for each police officer and the file should be kept in the personal custody of the officer who has been authorised to maintain the Confidential Personal File of the concerned Police Officer.
281. The return when received should be opened personally by the officer concerned and compared with those of the previous years. If there are changes in the list of properties action as indicated in Order 279 should be taken. Thereafter the return should be filed with the previous year’s returns, after making entries in the Property Returns Register (Form No.29).
MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY RETURNS REGISTER :
282. Where on verification with the return of the previous year, it is disclosed that competent sanction has not been obtained either for acquisition or disposal, the police officers should be called upon to explain.
283. A register called “Property Returns Register” should be maintained in Form No.29 by the concerned officers and written up as follows :-
(i) One page should be set apart for each police officer.
(ii) The entries in columns 2, 3 and 4 need only be made once, unless there is a change.
(iii) Instead of repeating entries in columns 5 to 9, every year, an entry “No change” may be made in subsequent years, if there is no change in the property acquired or disposed of.
(iv) Where there are additions or deletions in the list of properties of a police officer, column 9 should be filled up.
284. The register should be kept in the personal custody of the authorised officer.
VINDICATION OF ACTS AND CHARACTER OF POLICE OFFICERS :
285. No police officer should, except with the previous sanction of the Government accept from any person or body of persons, compensation of any kind for any malicious prosecution brought against him or for any defamatory attack made on his public acts or character, unless such compensation has been awarded by a competent court.
CANVASSING OF NON-OFFICIAL OR OTHER OUTSIDE INFLUENCE :
286. A police officer causing his own case to be made the subject of an interpolation in the Central or State Legislature contravenes the provisions of rule 26 of the State Rules or Rule l18 of the I.P.S. Rules.
ASSOCIATION OF POLICE OFFICERS IN TRADE UNION MOVEMENT :
287. No police officer should pay or contribute towards the expenses of any trade union which has constituted a fund under section 16 of the Indian Trade Unions Act, 1926 (XVI of 1926).
RESTRICTION OF RIGHTS OF POLICE OFFICERS :-
288. The Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act 1966 came into force in Karnataka State on 1.11.73. According to section 3 of this Act no police officer shall without the express sanction of the government -
(a) be a member of or be associated in anyway with, any trade union, labour union, political association or with any class of trade unions, labour unions or political associations.
OR
(b) be a member of, or be associated in anyway with, any other society, institution, association or organisation that is not recognised as part of the Force of which he is a member or is not of a purely social, recreational or religious nature
OR
(c) communicate with the press or publish or cause to be published any book, letter or other document except where such communication or publication is in
the bona-fide discharge of his duties or is of a purely literary, artistic or scientific character or is of a prescribed nature.
OR
(d) shall participate in or address any meeting or take part in any demonstration organised by any body of persons for any political purpose or for such other purposes as may be prescribed.
POLICE OFFICERS NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN STRIKE :
289. No police officer should engage in any strike or similar activities which include commission or omission involving a deliberate intention to compel his superior officers or Government to do something and shall include any demonstrative fast usually called “Hunger Strike” for similar purposes.
PROSELYTISATION ACTIVITIES :
290. Though the police officers are entitled, in their private lives, freely to profess, practice or propagate any religion, they should so conduct themselves in public as to leave no room for an impression to arise that they are likely in their official dealings to favour persons belonging to any religion. Such an impression is bound to arise in respect of a police officer who participates in bringing about or organising conversions from one religion to another, and such conduct would be more reprehensible if, in the process, he makes use, directly or indirectly, of his official position or influence. Participation in proselytisation activities or direct or indirect use of official position or influence in such activities by a police officer is strictly prohibited.
291. No police officer will, except by endorsement on a written application submitted according to rules through him, recommend to any selecting, appointing or promoting authority or to any individual who is a member of any such authority, or of its staff, any candidate for any post in the service of the Government or private concern.
USE OF VEHICLES :
292 The habitual use by police officers of transport belonging to members of the public is prohibited.
PAYMENT OF CAMP EXPENSES :
293. As far as possible camp supplies should not be purchased through the subordinate officers. Where, however, the employment of subordinates or village officers for making purchases of camp supplies becomes unavoidable, touring officers should make an advance payment for the required supplies at the beginning of their camp, settle the accounts at the end of the camp and obtain receipts for the same.
294. All police officers, whenever they go on tour for inspection or otherwise, should at the end of the inspection or before leaving the camp publicly enquire of the officer whose office has been inspected or the village officers, as the case may be, if their staff has in any way levied enforced entertainment, gratuitous supply of provisions or any presents. They should ensure that all the services rendered or supplies provided for themselves and their staff are paid for in full before leaving the camp.
DIRECTIONS FOR PAYMENT OF EXPENSES :
295. Whenever the Director General, Commissioner or the Superintendent receives complaints about non-payment of dues by any officer subordinate to them they should look into them and try to find out if the officer concerned really owes any money to the applicant. If, on enquiry, it is found that a police officer does owe money to the applicant, he should be instructed to pay it off within the specified time either in lump sum or in suitable installments as circumstances may permit. If the police officer concerned refuses to pay the dues or prolongs payment, he will be liable for departmental action. If on enquiry it is found that the police officer does not owe any money, the applicant should be informed accordingly and if he is not satisfied with the reply, he should be asked to go to a civil court.
USE OF SUBORDINATE POLICE OFFICER ON PRIVATE BUSINESS :
296. The employment of a subordinate police officer in making purchases or in any private matter in which receipt or expenditure of money is concerned, is strictly prohibited. It is however, not intended that this prohibition should preclude any officer from employing his subordinates to provide for him a conveyance or necessary supplies while he is travelling on duty on payment, though in all such transactions constant vigilance is needed to prevent cheating and extortion.
PROHIBITION OF RECEIPT OF REWARDS FROM PUBLIC :
297. Police officers are strictly forbidden from receiving any kind of “Bhakshis, rewards or gratification” from members of the public, though the offer of such gratification may be trivial or of a customary nature on occasions like “Diwali, Dasara, Christmas”, etc.
BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND LEGISLATURES
298. (1) All police officers should give due courtesy and regard to the members of Parliament and State Legislatures who are representatives of the people. It should be borne in mind that these representatives chosen by the people have important functions to perform under the Constitution and it is the duty of every police officer to listen to them and redress the grievances put forth by them according to law to the best of their ability. When officers are unable to accede to the requests or suggestions, the reasons for the officer’s inability to do so should be courteously explained to them.
299. The superior police officers should freely meet the Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly and Members of Legislative Council and understand the problems of their constituencies.
REPRESENTATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE :
300. Whenever members of the Legislature approach Superintendents or other police officers, a patient hearing should be given to them, as they have a certain responsibility towards the public. As far as possible local members should be taken into confidence.
PROMPT ATTENTION TO AND DISPOSAL OF COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC
301. Prompt and efficient disposal of public grievances is the primary duty of every police officer.
302. Officers should be ready to hear complaints requiring immediate attention at any time of the day, as far as possible, so that members of the public would feel confident that they can always approach the police officers concerned for redressal of their grievances in a sympathetic manner. The senior most officer present should receive the complaint.
BEHAVIOUR OF POLICE OFFICERS TOWARDS THE PUBLIC :
303. (a) Every member of the police force should regard himself as a servant and guardian of the general public and treat all law-abiding citizens, irrespective of their social position, with unfailing patience, courtesy and tact. While addressing members of the public, all officers and men must use the honorific plural to the person addressed. The aim should be to make the police force trusted and respected by the people.
. (b) The heads of offices should ensure that their subordinates treat the members of the public approaching them on official business with consideration and courtesy, so as to encourage them to represent their grievances to them. They should also take steps to ensure that members of the public, when they come to see them on business are not kept waiting unnecessarily and their complaints and applications are promptly looked into and disposed of.
304. A police officer should always remember to keep his temper. He is likely to be much more effective, if he is tactful, conciliatory or firm as the occasion demands. He will be more respected and more efficient if he does so.
305. By the employment of tact and conciliatory but firm methods, the public ordinarily can be induced to comply with directions and thus the necessity of employing force may be obviated. But where strong action is really needed, a police officer should not feel shy of taking it for fear of allegations or complaints being made against him by the public, nor should he allow himself to be deflected from the right course of action by an interference from any source. He can count upon the support of his superiors so long as he discharges his duties loyally, faithfully and honestly.
TENDING EVIDENCE :
306. While giving evidence and on every other occasion, a police officer should speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. He must not be swayed by any desire to assert his own importance or to secure a conviction or an acquittal by any other temptations. When repeating a conversation or statement, he should not exaggerate, misrepresent or suppress any part of it.
307. Every police officer should adopt every legitimate means in his power to assist in raising the prestige of the service in the estimation of the public and in securing its goodwill and respect by right behaviour on or off duty. He should always be available to those who seek his aid.
GUIDANCE BY SUPERIOR OFFICERS :
308. Superior officers should encourage the subordinate officers to be upright, honest and faithful. They should put down with a firm hand arrogant, overbearing, rough or unmannerly conduct on the part of the subordinate police officers whenever it comes to their notice. It should be realised that no matter how successful one may be in the detection of crime or proficient in any field of police work, he is liable to be punished if he shows himself incapable of treating the public properly.
BEHAVIOUR OF STATION HOUSE OFFICERS
309. Continuous efforts should be made to improve the existing relations between the force and the public by Station House Officers. They should treat complainants with consideration and not regard them as persons creating work or soliciting a favour. They should not keep them waiting unnecessarily to have their complaints registered and attended to. Similarly, the complainants should not be harassed by asking them to provide supplies and transport. It should be remembered by the police officers that the complainant has already suffered a loss of some kind and unless he is treated with sympathy, understanding and consideration, the reputation of the police would be in serious jeopardy. Attention is drawn in this context to Standing Order 923.
BEHAVIOUR WITH WITNESSES :
310. Witnesses should be treated with consideration and with full respect due to their standing in society.
TREATMENT OF SUSPECTS :
311. In dealing with suspects, officers should be as forbearing and reasonable as possible. Torture or use of force in any form should be strictly avoided .
TREATMENT OF U.T.PRISONERS :
312. Undertrial prisoners should be treated with consideration. Whatever the investigating officer may think of the charge and evidence against them, it should be borne in mind that the law does not consider them guilty until they are convicted. They are entitled to such reasonable consideration as is compatible with their safe custody and production before the Court.
313. (i) Regarding the use of hand-cuffs the following points should be borne in mind:
(a) Hand cuffs or other fetters shall not be forced on a prisoner - convicted or undertrial - while lodged in a jail anywhere in the country or while transporting or in transit from one jail to another or from jail to court and back. The Police and the jail authorities, on their own, shall have no authority to direct the handcuffing of any inmate of a jail in the country or during transport from one jail to another or from jail to court and back.
(b) Where the Police or the jail authorities have well-grounded basis for drawing a strong inference that a particular prisoner is likely to jump jail or break out of the custody then the said prisoner be produced before the Magistrate concerned and a prayer for permission to handcuff the prisoner be made before the said Magistrate. save in rare cases of concrete proof regarding proneness of the prisoner to violence, his tendency to escape, he being so dangerous/desperate and the finding that no other practical way of forbidding escape is available, the Magistrate may grant permission to handcuff the prisoner.
(c) In all the cases where a person arrested by Police, is produced before the Magistrate and remand - judicial or non-judicial - is given by the Magistrate the person concerned shall not be handcuffed unless special orders in that respect are obtained from the Magistrate at the time of the grant of the remand.
(d) When the police arrests a person in execution of a warrant of arrest obtained from a Magistrate, the person so arrested shall not be handcuffed unless the police has also obtained orders from the Magistrate for the handcuffing of the person to be so arrested.
(e) Where a person is arrested by the police without warrant the police officer concerned may if he is satisfied, on the basis of the guidelines given by us in para above, that it is necessary to handcuff such a person, he may do so till the time he is taken to the police station and thereafter his production before the Magistrate. Further use of fetters thereafter can only be under the orders of the Magistrate as already indicated by us.
SURVEILLANCE OF EX-CONVICTS :
314. An ex-convict must be watched carefully to see whether he is really a bad character, but this can be done sympathetically and without harassment. If he improves, the watch can be gradually reduced. If he does not, the police are still in a position to know his movements and associates. It should be remembered that an ex-convict reformed means so many crimes not committed and hence considerate treatment which gives him a chance of reforming is a sound preventive measure.
VISITORS TO RESIDENCES :
315. Police officers should discourage visits of private persons, who have any dealing directly or indirectly with their work, to their residences and should not deal with official monetary transactions with them in their residences.
WARNING BOARDS AT STATIONS :
316. In every police office and police station a board should be hung up in a conspicuous place with the following notice in Kannada language pasted on it :-
“All police officers are required to treat the members of the public approaching them on official business with consideration and courtesy. Members of the public are requested to co-operate with the Government in stamping out corruption. Do not tip or bribe any member of this office/police station. If any tip or bribe is asked for, please report to the undersigned”.
(Signed) Superintendent of Police.
(a) The following mission statement should be prominently displayed in every Police Station and Police Office:
Mission Statement
We, the members of Karnataka Police shall uphold the Law and the Rights of all people for a safe and secure environment, conducive to their internal and external growth and development. Towards this end, we set for ourselves the following objectives:
Objectives:
Ø Protect the lives and liberties of the people from criminals and anti-social elements.
Ø Earn the good will, support and active assistance of the community.
Ø Co-ordination with other departments of Criminal Justice System.
Ø Equal treatment regardless of caste, religion, social and economic status or political affiliations.
Ø Due consideration for women, children, senior citizens and weaker sections.
Ø Improve professional knowledge, skills and attitudes and adopt modern methods in police work.
Ø Promote human rights and professional values of integrity, honesty and efficiency.
Ø Accept and play our role in social transformation and bring about improvement in the quality of life in the society.
COURTEOUS BEHAVIOUR :
317. Every police officer must constantly remember that he is a servant of the public and is, therefore under an obligation to behave with proper courtesy towards them. Any police man whether in a police station or an outpost or on patrol duty or for that matter anywhere, is bound to help the public to the best of his ability. Police man should not impose more restrictions on the people than are warranted so far as their harmless actions, movements, conduct and speech are concerned. It is his duty to refrain from rude behaviour and the causing of annoyance while conducting searches, to act with strict regard for decency and with gentleness in dealing with women and children, and to treat every member of the public with politeness. When on duty, he must give his name and number, when asked by any member of the public.
POLICE OFFICER’S BEHAVIOUR WHILE ON DUTY :
318. It is improper for police officers, while on duty in uniform to smoke, chew pan or talk leisurely with friends in public. Such exhibition creates an unfavourable impression in the minds of the public who cannot distinguish whether such men are on or off duty at that time. While on duty in plain clothes, the police officers should carry with them identification cards for being shown when required.
NEGLECT OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN
319. Police officers should maintain a decent standard of conduct even in their private lives and should not neglect to take proper care of their wives and children. Disregard by them of obligations towards their wives and children tends to injure their reputation and thereby undermines the trust and confidence which the public repose in them.
BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS OFFICERS OF OTHER DEPARTMENTS :
320. The police officers should treat the officers of the other departments and organizations such as Judiciary, Home Guards and the Armed Forces with respect and courtesy due to their status and the rank they hold. Whenever the Army is called in aid of the civil power to deal with civil disturbances, senior police officers should ensure that the Army personnel of all ranks are given due respect by the members of the police force.
BEHAVIOUR OF POLICE OFFICERS TOWARDS SURORDINATES AND SUPERIORS
321. Senior police officers must strictly avoid the use of unduly harsh language while addressing or talking to their juniors and subordinates. They should show their subordinates the same consideration as they themselves would expect from their superiors. It is essential that members of the subordinate staff, in turn, should behave respectfully towards their superiors and do their duty satisfactorily.
CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL, DRUGS :
322. A police officer shall not consume any intoxicating drink or drug in a public place.
BEHAVIOUR OF POLICE PARTIES DURING JOURNEYS :
323. When police parties are sent from one district to another on duty, officers in charge of the parties must keep their men under proper control throughout the journey. When travelling by rail they should get suitable seating arrangements made by the railway authorities and should not inconvenience other passengers. Whenever possible, Superintendents or other police officers concerned should give timely intimation of the despatch of large parties by train to the railway authorities not only of the starting stations but of all junctions on the route where the parties may have to change the trains.
CONTACT WITH RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS :
324. List of retired Police Officers living in the jurisdiction of Police Stations should be kept in each Police Station and periodically contacted by the Station House Officer of the Station. During the tour, the Inspecting officers, should, as far as practicable, meet as many retired Police Officers as possible.
325. The district police officers should be in touch with the retired police officers and attend to their welfare to the extent possible. The retired police officers should, as far as possible, be invited to attend functions such as district sports, ceremonial parades on special occasions and farewell parties. They should be actively associated with the celebration of the Flag Day on 2nd April every year.
GRANT OF CERTIFICATES TO INDIVIDUALS BY POLICE OFFICERS :
326. Police officers should not issue character certificate to members of the public as there is a grave danger inherent in this practice since a certificate of good character issued by a police officer creates an impression that the police authorities have nothing against the individual. Police officers are also forbidden from giving certificates of character or conduct to their subordinates other than discharge certificates.
ATTESTATION :
327. Superior police officers may attest copies of documents like testimonials, marriage, birth or death certificates required for recruitment or other purposes on request from the members of the public. This work, though not a legal formality, is only a civic duty related to their status.
APPEALS FROM POLICE OFFICERS :
328. (1) For disciplinary matters, provision is made for an appeal by a police officer under the Karnataka State Police (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules, 1965. Such appeals should be addressed to the authority competent to entertain the appeal and not to other authorities, in the manner prescribed in these rules.
(2) The following instructions are issued by Government in regard to the submission of representations by police officers, in respect of any matters pertaining to their service, other than disciplinary matters;
(i) All representations should be concise, set out the grounds relied upon by the police officer and clearly specify the relief sought. As a second representation on the same subject will not be entertained, it will be in the interest of the police officer to set out all relevant grounds and to mention all the relief which he seeks, in his representation.
(ii) Any police officer who has a grievance from which he seeks relief must send his representation in his own name. Joint representations by more than one police officer will not be considered.
(iii) The representation should invariably be accompanied by a copy of the order appealed against, if any.
(iv) The representation should be sent through the proper channel. The Director General will forward the representation with the relevant papers and his comments, if any, without delay to the Government, except in the circumstances mentioned in clause (viii) infra.
(v) The representation should be submitted within three months of the order appealed against. A representation submitted beyond that period will only be entertained at the discretion of the Government on being satisfied that there were adequate reasons for not submitting the representation within time.
(vi) Where Government has already passed an order on a representation, a fresh representation on the same subject will not be entertained unless the representation on the face of it discloses new grounds not placed before the Government when the previous order was passed and adequate reasons are adduced for not placing those grounds before Government at the time. Any such representation received will be merely recorded and no action will be taken thereon.
(vii) An officer who receives a representation from a subordinate officer will transmit the papers to proper authorities, with his comments and with the relevant records, if any, in his possession, with the least possible delay.
(viii) The representation should, however be withheld when;
(a) it is time-barred and sufficient reasons are not assigned for the delay in submitting the representation.
(b) a copy of the order appealed against is not annexed to the representation.
(c) the representation is debarred under clauses (ii) and (vi).
The fact that a representation has been withheld and the reasons thereof, shall be communicated to the police officer concerned except where the representation is withheld under sub-clause (c) above.
(ix) The representation received from a police officer should be forwarded by his immediate superior officer through the official channel. The practice sometimes adopted of handing back the representation to the aggrieved officer himself with the remarks of the higher officer, for being taken, personally to the higher authority is not correct. All noting on representation by officers at all levels and in the Secretariat is confidential and should not be communicated to unauthorised persons.
(x) The police officer who after having made a representation, does not receive an order thereon within a period of two months, shall be entitled to send copies of his representation directly with a copy of such communication to the authority through whom the representation was originally addressed. Where the advance copy received does not show that the proper authorities at lower levels have been approached for securing necessary relief, no action need be taken on the representation. Where, however, the advance copy indicates that relief from the appropriate authorities at lower levels has been sought and in vain, the authority who receives the representation should take prompt action to get the relevant records and pass suitable orders in the case.
(xi) The authority who withholds a representation shall, once in every three months, send a statement of representations withheld by him, to the authority to whom the representation withheld was addressed.
329. These instructions will apply mutatis mutandis to representations addressed to the Deputy Inspector General, the Commissioner, IGP. ADGP and the Director General.
INTERVIEWS WITH THE DIRECTOR GENERAL/ADGP/IGP/COMMISSIONER AND DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL :
330. (a) A police officer whether on duty, leave or under suspension, must obtain the written permission of the Superintendent in the district or Deputy Commissioner in Cities, before seeking an interview with the Inspector General of Police/Deputy Inspector General or the Commissioner or the Addl. Director General or the Director General, as the case may be, on any official matter in which he is personally concerned. Such written permission must be produced before the Range Inspector General of Police/Deputy Inspector General/ Commissioner/Director General, at the time of interview.
(b) Interviews with the object of obtaining cancellation of transfer orders should not be permitted, as transfers are ordered only after careful consideration and will not be cancelled or modified, except for reasons of an exceptional nature, which may be represented by means of an application submitted through the proper channel.
(c) When a Superintendent in the district or Deputy Commissioner in Cities grants permission to an officer for an interview with the Director General or Commissioner or the Range Inspector General of Police/Deputy Inspector General, he should send to the Director General or Commissioner or the Range Inspector General of Police/Deputy Inspector General, as the case may be, an aid memoir giving full facts of the case. The police officer seeking interview should not go for interview until orders have been received by him granting such an interview. The aid memoir and other records relating to the subject matter of interview should be made available to the Range Inspector General/Deputy Inspector General or the Commissioner or the Director General, as the case may be at the time of interview.
APPLICATIONS BY POLICE OFFICERS FOR POSTS :
331. (a) A police officer who applies for appointment to service under the administrative control of the Government or to any post therein will not be eligible for appointment if he has applied without the consent of the head of the office.
(b) An application for a post outside the department whether within the State or under another State or Central Government should be submitted through the authority competent to appoint him. If the application is for a post outside the State Government, a letter of resignation should also accompany. The competent authority will decide whether the application should be forwarded or not.
APPLICATION BY POLICE OFFICERS FOR PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT :
332. No police officer shall apply for private employment or signify his willingness to accept such employment unless expressly permitted to do so in writing, the authority to grant permission in the case of superior officers being the Government and in the case of subordinate officers, the Director General.
333. Permission to apply for or accept private employment shall normally be granted to a person who is on leave preparatory to retirement, unless the employment is in a commercial concern. Permission to apply for or accept private employment in a commercial concern will be granted only in very exceptional cases and will be subject to such conditions as may be laid down.
334. Where a police officer who is not on leave preparatory to retirement is permitted to apply for an employment, he should resign his appointment under Government before applying for such employment. His premature resignation may, however be accepted without detriment to the public service.
335. (a) Police officers seeking redress of their grievances arising out of their employment or conditions of service should in their own interest and also consistent with official propriety and discipline, first exhaust the normal official channels or redress they take the issue to a court of law.
(b) Whenever a police officer asks for permission to sue the Government in a court of law for the redress of his grievances after exhausting them, he may be informed that such permission is not necessary and that, if he decides to have recourse to a court of law, he may do so on his own responsibility.
336. Reserve Inspectors/Reserve Sub-Inspectors in charge of Armed Reserves, officers in charge of the companies of the K.S.R.P. and Sub-Inspectors in charge of police stations are responsible for making clearly known to their subordinates such conduct rules which apply to them. Particular attention should be drawn to the rules regarding :
1. Acceptance of gifts and rewards;
2. Public demonstrations in honour of Government servants;
3. Collection of subscriptions;
4. Lending and borrowing;
5. Buying or selling houses and other valuable properties;
6. Holding or acquiring immovable property;
7. Speculation;
8. Insolvency and habitual indebtedness;
9. Communication of official documents or information, and
10. Code of Police conduct enumerated in Orders 1 to 9 of this manual.
SALUTES :
337. (1) A salute is the military and police method of greeting superiors and not a servile act. It is an outward sign of inward spirit of discipline and respect for superior. The unity and discipline of a force are indicated by the manner in which the men salute and the officers return them.
(2) Failure to salute shows disrespect, idleness and a low standard of discipline. Failure by an officer in uniform to insist on being saluted is a breach of discipline.
(3) A subordinate officer will always salute a superior officer first. It is good manners for a junior officer to salute a senior officer, when they meet, though they may be of the same rank.
(4) Any police officer who is saluted will smartly acknowledge the salute. The importance of returning a salute correctly and with courtesy cannot be over-emphasized. It is bad manners to acknowledge a salute by raising a stick, by an indifferent gesture of the hand or with the disengaged hand in the trouser pocket. Officers returning the salutes of subordinates must regard it not as a matter of condescension but as a bounden duty.
(5) The salute will be given and returned with the right hand. Where, however, a salute with the right hand is impossible through physical incapacity, he will stand to attention.
(6) When a police officer in civilian clothes meets another police officer to whom a salute is due, he should smartly come to attention.
(7) When a police officer in civilian clothes meets a person other than a police officer to whom a salute is due, he should greet him in the traditional Indian style “Namaste”.
(8) When a police officer who is in civilian clothes receives a salute, he should acknowledge with appropriate greeting or order.
(9) Police officers should salute when passing, addressing or being addressed by police officers, senior to them in rank, whether in uniform or in plain clothes.
(10) Subordinate police officers in uniform should salute all gazetted officers of the Government and commissioned officers in uniform of the Navy, Army, Air and Auxiliary Forces, when addressing them or being spoken to by them.
(11) Subordinate police officers in uniform should salute all the magistrates, when the latter are on magisterial duty.
(12) If the nature of the duty such as regulating traffic or other special circumstances make it undesirable, a police officer will not be required to salute unless spoken to by a person entitled to be saluted.
(13) When a senior officer enters a room in a police station or class room, the men in the room will stand to attention until they are told to resume their seats or occupation. The senior officer present will call the men to attention; otherwise, the first man who observes any senior officer entering a room should give notice to the others by calling them to attention.
(14) When two are more officers are together, the senior only, whether in uniform or not, will return the salute.
(15) Officers or men passing the troops with uncased standards, guidens or colours will salute except when they are carried by units forming part of the escort at a military/police funeral.
(16) Cased standards, guidens and colours will not be saluted.
(17) Officers, men and colours, passing a military police funeral will salute the bier. When two or more officers are standing at a group or in a line, the senior most of them will salute after calling the others to attention.
(18) When appearing in a conference or assembly of superior officers, only the senior-most officer will be saluted. It is incorrect to salute in turn other officers.
(19) An officer in Uniform, wearing a headdress and appearing in an office or orderly room before a senior officer, will salute, retain his head-dress and stand to attention unless he is asked to sit down. On being asked to sit down, he should remove his head-dress. It is highly improper to place the head-dress on the table of the superior officer, or to retain it on one’s head while sitting. It is similarly improper to wear dark glasses when addressing or being addressed by a senior officer.
(20) All officers and constables will salute the court (the Magistrate or Judge) on entering the Court room.
(21) When wearing western style civilian dress, it is etiquette and good manners to remove the head-dress before entering the room of a superior officer or a dwelling place of any kind.
(22) When a senior officer comes to a function accompanied by a lady, the officer will be greeted first if the function is an official parade and the officer is to be the reviewing officer. Otherwise, on all other occasions the lady will be greeted first.
(23) When officers are in a body apart from the parade, all of them will salute independently on the approach of a superior officer. If, however, they are on an official parade, they will be called to attention by the senior-most officer among them who alone will salute.
(24) When a senior officer arrives on parade, he is greeted by the parade commander who calls the parade to attention and salute. It is not necessary for an officer on the parade to salute when the senior officer is going round to inspect the parade unless addressed by him or having occasion to address him.
(25) If the senior officer arrives after the parade has started, the parade will not be called to attention. The parade commander will himself salute the superior officer and obtain instructions from him.
(26) When the superior officer goes round the parade ground, the sub-unit commanders only will salute, if they are not engaged in instructing their squads. They will otherwise continue without diverting their attention to greet the officer. If, however, the superior addresses any squad commander, the latter will immediately stop his instructions, bring his squad to attention, and will himself salute. After having done with the superior officer, he will proceed with his squad in accordance with the programme.
(27) When at a ceremonial parade the command ‘National Salute - Present Arms’ is given, and the national anthem is not played, all police officers present but not on parade will stand to attention until the order ‘Slope Arms’ is given. When, however the national anthem is played all officers of and above rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector not on parade except those officers attending or accompanying the personage taking the salute, will salute. Other non-gazetted officers will stand to attention without saluting. Officers attending or accompanying the personage will stand to attention but will not salute.
(28) All those who are not wearing uniform will stand to attention when the national anthem is played. Those wearing hats will doff them.
(29) The following orders should be observed when the national anthem is played :
(a) While on parade, all officers of the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector and above will salute, and the men will come to attention. This does not apply to ceremonial parade when men will present arms.
(b) While on the move, the party commander will halt the party and will salute, whereas the rest of the men will remain at attention.
(c) If standing in an organised party, the salute will be given only by the officer of the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector and above, except that a Head Constable will salute, if he is in charge of a party and the others will come to attention.
(d) All ranks wearing Indian style civilian dress will stand to attention.
(e) All sentries on duty will slope arms.
(f) All officers carrying a drawn sword will remain at the carry.
(30) When police are posted for street lining on public occasions such Presidential or Gubernatorial visits, mounted and dismounted officers of and above the rank of Inspector will salute every member of the President’s family, the Governor or other distinguished personage for whom the occasion is held, the colours of the Navy, Standards and Colours (uncased) of the Army and Air Force, and senior police officers. Police officers below the rank of Inspector will not salute, but stand to attention.
(31) A police officer in uniform should salute the wife of his superior or colleague or a lady of superior or equal status; it is incorrect to do ‘namaste’ while in uniform.