Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, December 9
Himachal Pradesh Police have introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the use of social media by personnel in uniform, aiming to safeguard the force’s public image and prevent misuse of sensitive information. The guidelines issued by the DGP, stress the need to uphold the dignity of the police uniform, protect public trust and ensure compliance with the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, Police Rules and Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
Under the SOP, no police officer or employee is permitted to upload reels, videos, photos, stories or posts in uniform for entertainment, personal promotion, or for religious, social, political or private purposes. Officers have also been barred from sharing any policing-related information on their personal social media accounts, including investigation updates, crime-related material, and videos from duty locations, especially those that may reveal the identity of victims or accused.
The SOP further prohibits unauthorised circulation of government documents, wireless messages, case diaries or internal communications. Police personnel may not comment on government policies, decisions of police headquarters, policing matters or official work from personal accounts.
Only officers who have written authorisation from competent authorities may post content on official departmental social media handles. All official posts must be limited to press notes, public awareness campaigns and law-and-order updates.
Personnel found violating the SOP may face departmental action ranging from inquiries and suspension to withholding of increments, demotion or dismissal from service. If the act involves criminality, prosecution will also be pursued.
District police chiefs, commandants and unit heads have been directed to ensure all subordinates are formally briefed on the SOP. Station House Officers and unit in-charges will conduct periodic reviews and report violations promptly. The police headquarters will develop a central monitoring mechanism to oversee compliance across the state.
