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Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) O P Singh on Friday urged police personnel across the state to adopt a more polite and citizen-friendly approach, emphasizing that words such as “please,” “sorry,” and “thank you” should become part of their everyday interactions with the public. Singh said that courteous behaviour not only enhances the image of the police but also helps in building deeper trust and cooperation between the force and citizens.

Chairing a meeting in Chandigarh with all commissioners of police (CPs), superintendents of police (SPs), and station house officers (SHOs), Singh outlined his vision of a proactive, solution-oriented, and citizen-centric police force. According to an official statement, he said the time had come to completely transform the working style of the Haryana Police.

“Polite behaviour is not a sign of weakness. It reflects strength, professionalism, and respect for the people we serve,” the DGP said. “Using simple and respectful words like please, sorry, and thank you can go a long way in changing how people perceive us.”

Focus on discipline, fitness, and morale

DGP Singh said his top priority was to ensure that the police force remains “fighting fit and in working order.” He encouraged senior officers to conduct regular field visits, interact directly with personnel, and take steps to boost morale at the grassroots level.

While acknowledging that mistakes can happen in the line of duty, Singh made it clear that indiscipline and misconduct would not be tolerated.

“Mistakes are natural, but there is no room for misconduct or negligence. The people of Haryana depend on us 365 days a year,” he said, adding that police duty is not merely a job but “a sacred responsibility to serve and protect.”

He also assured officers of his commitment to their welfare, remarking that no member of the force should ever be placed in unnecessary danger.

“We are not here to die; we are here to serve and protect the people,” he said.

Law enforcement and accountability

The DGP reiterated that the police must uphold the law firmly yet fairly. He said that anyone found breaking the law would face strict legal action, and anyone attempting to attack or harm police personnel would face an “immediate and appropriate response.”

At the same time, he urged officers to conduct themselves with restraint and professionalism, maintaining a balance between assertiveness and empathy.

Infrastructure and modernization

Singh also issued directives to the Haryana Police Housing Corporation (HPHC) to upgrade the infrastructure of all police stations and posts within two weeks.

“All kitchens, washrooms, electrical systems, and safety installations must be repaired and improved immediately,” he said. “Every police station should be clean, safe, and well-organized — a place that reflects discipline and professionalism.”

He added that the police’s working environment directly influences their performance and public perception.

Emphasis on technology and social media

Recognizing the growing influence of digital platforms, Singh stressed that the police must remain active on social mediato connect with citizens, dispel misinformation, and enhance transparency.

“Officers should monitor those spreading rumours or false information about the police from the very beginning,” he said.

He directed CPs and SPs to regularly address the public through social media, television, or other communication channels to keep citizens informed and engaged. According to Singh, consistent communication will help the force maintain trust and demonstrate accountability.

Coordination and crime reduction

The DGP instructed all police stations and posts to work together in a coordinated manner and develop joint strategies to reduce crime in their respective jurisdictions. He emphasized that crime prevention required teamwork, communication, and quick intelligence sharing among different police units.

He also noted that the Haryana Police Academy must focus on real-world training for new recruits. Directing Academy Director Arshinder Chawla, Singh said new sub-inspectors should be trained in practical policing and not adopt a “filmy” or dramatized approach to law enforcement.

Decline in crime rates

Singh highlighted that recent efforts by the Haryana Police had yielded positive results, claiming a 50 per cent decline in rape cases and a significant overall reduction in crime across the state.

“These improvements show that our strategies are working. But we must remain vigilant and continue to evolve,” he said.

A citizen-first approach

In his concluding remarks, DGP Singh reiterated that the police exist to serve the people, not to intimidate them. He said that respectful behaviour, professional conduct, and empathy would form the foundation of the new policing culture in Haryana.

“Our duty is not only to enforce the law but to win the people’s hearts,” he said. “If we act with courtesy, discipline, and compassion, the people will stand with us.”

Through his address, Singh signaled a shift toward a modern, people-centric model of policing — one that combines firmness in law enforcement with sensitivity in public interaction. The meeting ended with a call for collective responsibility, where every officer, from top leadership to field personnel, plays a role in transforming the Haryana Police into a trusted, transparent, and responsive force.