In a significant address that redefined the core of police work, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna emphasized that policing is fundamentally about human connections, not just enforcing laws. He shared this perspective while speaking to a new batch of Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers on Wednesday at the state police headquarters in Lucknow.
Defining the Essence of Policing
Addressing 23 IPS trainees of the 77th Regular Recruit (RR) batch for the 2023-24 period, DGP Rajeev Krishna presented a philosophical view of their future roles. He stated that policing represents the purest and most elevated form of human relationship. According to him, every action taken by a police officer must be grounded in human understanding, and every communication must be delivered with human sensitivity.
The DGP explained that this human-centric approach is what separates a mere law enforcer from a true guardian of the people. He urged the young officers to internalize this principle from the very beginning of their careers.
Shaping Philosophy in Early Years
DGP Krishna highlighted the critical importance of the formative years in service. He told the probationers that the first four to five years actively shape an officer's professional character and policing philosophy. During this crucial phase, he advised them to focus on continuous improvement of their communication skills, maintain an insatiable curiosity, remain free from biases, and commit to learning something new from the field every single day.
The trainees, who are currently in their field attachment phase, engaged in an extensive interaction with the state's top cop. They discussed a wide range of topics, including administrative responsibilities, operational challenges on the ground, strategies for effective public engagement, and the expectations from a leader in the police force.
Field Experiences and Key Discussions
The probationers shared their firsthand experiences from their recent field postings. They also raised pertinent questions on pressing issues such as effective crime control measures, building trust through community engagement, maintaining discipline within the force, and the art of decision-making during high-pressure situations.
In his responses, DGP Rajeev Krishna underscored the profound impact of police work. He reminded the officers that their decisions directly affect the lives and liberties of ordinary citizens. Therefore, the role demands unwavering integrity, ethical conduct in all circumstances, and a high degree of emotional intelligence to navigate complex human situations.
Blueprint for an Ideal Officer
Providing a clear blueprint for success, the Uttar Pradesh police chief offered actionable advice to the young officers. He urged them to guard their professional reputation as their greatest asset. Transparency in action, he noted, is non-negotiable for building public trust.
He also emphasized the importance of leadership that encourages team members and leads with a combination of empathy and firmness. An ideal officer, according to DGP Krishna, is one who successfully balances an open mind, a clear vision for justice, and sound judgement.
The session at the Lucknow police headquarters served as a foundational lesson, steering the future officers towards a service-oriented, humane, and ethically robust approach to policing in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
