Now the police will also call you sir or madam. Govt Issues New Directive on Addressing Public Respectfully

A major administrative change is being seen in the police system in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The government has adopted a strict stance after complaints of alleged misbehavior and abusive language from common citizens. Now it will be mandatory for policemen to use respectful addresses like ‘Sir’, ‘Madam’, ‘Sahib’ or ‘Sahiba’ while talking to people.

this decision Maryam Nawaz Taken after the high level meeting chaired by. The Chief Minister clearly said that there will be no compromise with the dignity of the public and there should be an immediate change in the behavior of the police.

What is the new order and why was this decision taken?

During the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed his displeasure and said that in many places policemen address citizens in public places with words like ‘Oye’, which is unacceptable. He gave clear instructions that now people coming to all police stations, posts and offices will be talked to respectfully. The Chief Minister said, ‘Do not violate the dignity of the public. There is a need for accountability and the need to abandon wrong attitudes. The government believes that in view of the continuous complaints and increasing public resentment, this step had become necessary, so that the trust between the police and the public can be strengthened.

Will policemen be given special training?

The Chief Minister also directed that police personnel should be given training in behavioral and communication skills. He said that if any policeman refuses to address people as ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’, he will not be allowed to interact with citizens. He also made it clear that the body language and gestures of policemen should also be decent during patrolling. Complaints of bullying will be taken seriously and strict action will be taken against the culprits.

Will body cameras be mandatory now?

To bring transparency in the functioning of the police, the Chief Minister has also ordered the installation of body cameras. Body cameras will be provided to Punjab Police and traffic personnel in a phased manner in the next two months. The government believes that this will increase the accountability of the police and clear evidence will be available in case of any misconduct.

Will the image of police change?

This decision is being considered a big step towards police reform. For a long time, complaints were being made by common citizens about the harsh and abusive behavior of the police. In such a situation, this step of the government is being seen as an attempt to bring change in the administrative culture. The Chief Minister has warned in clear words that if any complaint is received against any officer or employee, strict action will be taken against him.