Special initiatives needed to change public perception about police and improve police–public communication: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Senior officers should immediately begin activities such as surprise inspections
Police should also share information about their achievements and positive activities with the public
Maintaining public trust is the police’s greatest responsibility
To meet the challenge of social media, the police force must be technologically proficient and act swiftly
Community policing activities should be encouraged to create a safe environment for women and children
Instructions issued for women’s safety, road safety and action against drug-related activities
Innovation and socially responsive initiatives should be promoted
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addresses the Director General of Police–Inspector General Conference–2025

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav congratulated the police force for uprooting Naxalism from the soil of the state and extended his best wishes. He paid tribute to the brave martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in this mission. The Chief Minister said that the police force was also praised during the special session of the Legislative Assembly held on December 17. He emphasized that development and public welfare activities should be carried out in formerly Naxal-affected areas in such a manner that Naxalism does not re-emerge.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the Director General of Police–Inspector General Conference 2025 at the Police Headquarters. He directed senior police officers to immediately start activities such as surprise inspections in their respective jurisdictions. On his arrival at the Police Headquarters, the Chief Minister was given a Guard of Honour and he inspected the ceremonial guard. He was welcomed by Director General of Police Shri Kailash Makwana and senior officers. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla and senior police officers.

In the conference chaired by the Chief Minister, Director General of Police Shri Kailash Makwana informed that the conference was organized to review the implementation at the state level of the directives and actionable points emerging from the All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police held in Raipur under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the theme “Developed India: Security Dimensions.” He said that discussions at the All India Conference focused on internal security and law and order, police modernization, women’s safety, redevelopment of police station premises, Simhastha–2028 and cyber initiatives, use of technology and artificial intelligence in policing, publicity of new laws, community policing, the role of police in disaster management, efforts towards a drug-free society, tourist policing, forensic science, prevention of cyber crimes and road safety.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that in the present era, social media has emerged as a very powerful tool as well as a serious challenge. Its misuse has increased the possibilities of spreading rumours, crime and misinformation. Therefore, it is essential to use the power of social media for positive and constructive purposes. Any misleading or provocative content must be identified in time and dealt with through prompt and effective action. He added that in the age of social media, public expectations for immediate assistance from the police have also increased. To meet these expectations and sentiments, the police force must be technologically competent and well-equipped to provide immediate help to victims.

The Chief Minister stressed the need for special initiatives to change public perception about the police and to improve communication between the police and the public. He said that police should share information about their achievements and positive activities with public representatives and the general public. Police officers should remain active through the media for better communication. The image of the police should be that of a helping force. Efforts should be made so that people look at the police with trust rather than fear. While criminals should fear the police, ordinary citizens should feel trust and a sense of security. Maintaining this trust is the police’s biggest responsibility. Encouraging community policing activities is essential to create a safe environment for women and children. The Chief Minister advised police officers and personnel to remain alert and cautious about their language and behaviour. He also said that those who bring innovation and carry out socially responsive activities in policing should be encouraged.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that to reduce road accidents, the police must work on both awareness and technology. Accident-prone areas should be identified as black spots and special strategies should be prepared. Regular patrolling on sensitive routes, speed control, strict monitoring against drunken driving and ensuring compliance with traffic rules can help reduce accidents. He stressed the need to widely publicize information about the Rahveer Scheme for those who help accident victims reach hospitals. He also directed that special camps be organized for eye testing of drivers and emphasized the need to ensure that drivers of 108 ambulance services do not develop any nexus with private hospitals.

The Chief Minister stated that women’s safety is among the top priorities of the state government and the police. In areas where the likelihood of crimes against women is higher, arrangements for special surveillance, regular patrolling and swift action must be ensured. With the objective of creating an environment against substance abuse, prohibition has been implemented in religious cities. Strict action should be taken against those selling liquor through other means in these cities. The consumption or trade of intoxicants through medicines or other chemical substances will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that arrangements should be made to ensure training for various police activities and specializations within a single campus. In the meeting, directions were given to prepare an action plan in coordination with the Urban Administration Department for the development of densely populated and law-and-order-sensitive areas. He said that in cities such as Ujjain and Burhanpur, people have voluntarily removed encroachments through community participation, making the implementation of development activities easier. Such examples should be shared with people in other cities as well, as this will help create a positive environment for development initiatives. He also directed that social and cultural activities in line with tribal culture and traditions, similar to Chhattisgarh’s Bastar Olympics, be organized in the state.

During the conference, senior officers made presentations on anti-terrorism squads, law and order, left-wing extremism, police modernization, women’s safety, Simhastha 2028, cyber security, use of technology and artificial intelligence in policing, and forensic activities.