Cops to face social media scrutiny

Police authorities have decided to rigorously monitor the use of social media by police personnel across Punjab, indicating strict departmental action against those uploading inappropriate posts or content. In case of any lapse in monitoring at the central, regional, or district level, departmental action will also be taken against the concerned Public Relations Officers (PROs). This decision was taken after complaints about police officers and personnel, both in uniform and out of uniform, uploading inappropriate posts and content on social media regarding government institutions. The Additional IG Investigation Punjab has sent a letter to the Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer (RPO) Babar Sarfraz Alpa and Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani, as well as to RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs across the province, including the CCPO Lahore. The letter pertains to the monitoring of social media use. The letter states that SOPs for monitoring social media posts, videos, and other content through PROs at central, regional, and district offices have already been issued by the Central Police Office's operations wing. However, police personnel, both in uniform and without, have been using their personal social media accounts to post highly objectionable, illegal, and inappropriate content against the state, government, and law enforcement agencies. As this practice by police personnel falls under misconduct, appropriate action will be taken by the competent authority, the letter further states. PROs are tasked with ensuring effective monitoring of social media accounts of police employees in their respective districts and regions. RPOs and DPOs have been instructed to take immediate departmental action if any police officer or personnel uploads inappropriate or illegal content against the police or government institutions. Similarly, PROs at the central, regional, and district levels have been warned that if content uploaded by police officers and personnel reaches officials through other means without being noticed by the PRO, strict departmental action will be taken against the concerned PRO. This initiative aims to prevent the misuse of social media by law enforcement officers and ensure accountability for any content that undermines the integrity of the police force and government institutions. The higher police authorities have stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and professionalism among law enforcement personnel, both on and off duty. They emphasised that the use of social media platforms should align with the ethical standards expected of police officers. The monitoring process will also include regular audits and assessments to ensure compliance with the new regulations. This proactive approach is designed to protect the reputation of the police force and ensure public trust in the law enforcement agencies' commitment to their duties.

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