President Droupadi Murmu addressed IPS probationers, emphasizing citizen-centric policing, leveraging technology, combating deepfakes & misinformation to uphold public trust across India.
NEW DELHI – President Droupadi Murmu has laid out a comprehensive vision for the future of Indian policing, urging a new batch of Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers to prioritize technological proficiency, foster public trust, and proactively combat emerging threats like cybercrime, deepfakes, and orchestrated misinformation. Her address to the 78 RR (2025 batch) at Rashtrapati Bhavan today outlines a strategic imperative for law enforcement to adapt to the complexities of the digital age while upholding core principles of service and empathy.
Rebuilding Public Trust: A Pillar of Governance
President Murmu stressed that for ordinary citizens, police officers are direct symbols of governance. The perception of good governance is intrinsically linked to the efficacy and fairness of the police system. She called upon the probationers to cultivate a deep sense of commitment to serving citizens, rather than exercising superiority.
“People feel immensely supported when a police officer listens to their grievances with sensitivity and attentiveness. I urge IPS officers to prioritise alleviating the fears of socially or economically weaker individuals who generally lack access to senior officials, and addressing their grievances.”
This directive highlights a crucial need for the police force to enhance its community engagement and ensure accessibility, particularly for marginalized sections of society, thereby strengthening the democratic fabric of Bharatha.
Embracing Technology and Combating Digital Threats
A significant portion of the President’s message focused on the urgent need for technological adaptation within the police force. She acknowledged that junior members of the team might possess greater proficiency in modern technologies and advised senior officers not to hesitate in learning from them, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
Key Directives for a Digital-First Police Force:
- Countering Misinformation: The President identified the spread of misinformation as a serious issue, capable of swaying impressionable minds, especially the youth, and triggering fear at local, regional, or national levels. She asserted that smart policing is essential to prevent such situations from escalating.
- Tackling Cybercrime: With cybercrimes becoming more widespread and serious, she urged police officers to extensively sensitize society about their gravity and reorient their own approaches to these evolving threats.
- Addressing Deepfakes: Highlighting deepfake content as a new and dangerous threat, President Murmu emphasized the imperative for police officers to always stay ahead of criminals who exploit state-of-the-art technologies.
Leadership, Teamwork, and Bharatha’s Strategic Future
The President also offered insights into effective leadership and team management, encouraging public participation and teamwork. She underscored that prioritizing the welfare of team members would enhance their capabilities and enthusiasm, fostering a more effective and cohesive force.
“Police officers would derive a high level of authority from the laws and rules related to policing. However, they will earn real respect from the people, based on their performance and value system. They should have a sense of commitment to serving citizens rather than a sense of superiority over them.”
The President’s address serves as a strategic roadmap for the incoming generation of IPS officers, positioning them at the forefront of national security and public service. By integrating advanced technology with a deeply empathetic and citizen-centric approach, the directives aim to fortify law enforcement against contemporary challenges, ensuring stability and justice across Bharatha. (Attribution Policy: mention_source)
