In an image-building exercise, the Delhi Police has decided to recognise the contribution of those media professionals who have been writing and expressing positive views on law and order situation in the national Capital. This is the first occasion when police will be honouring journalists for projecting its positive image in public.
An order to this effect issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Verma stated that media professionals writing and expressing positive views on law and order situation should be honoured in line with the practice being followed by the Agriculture department, where best journalists are acknowledged for their contributions in the field of agriculture.
The police chief has already set up a committee to get his orders implemented at the earliest. While Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) has been appointed as the chairperson of the committee, Joint Commissioner (South Eastern Range), Joint Commissioner (Headquarters) and Joint Commissioner (Crime) have been designated as its members. The DCP (Crime) has been appointed as the convener of the committee. The committee has been directed to submit its report for necessary approval.
A senior officer said the matter related to acknowledging contributions of journalists was first raised at a meeting of the DGPs and IGs last year where it was decided that all the States and Union Territories should immediately initiate action in this regard.
The officer said the police heads have also been directed to prepare a panel of retired police officers and academicians who could articulate viewpoints in favour of law enforcement agencies in debates on TV channels. The police chiefs have also been told to utilise their contacts in visual media for holding debates on pro-policing topics.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has advertised a vacancy for the post of public relations officer (PRO) as there is a feeling that an officer of Indian Information Service (IIS) should head the public relations department. A senior police official said the police commissioner wants that police officers are best suited for the work of policing and by posting an officer of DCP rank in the PRO branch, man power is being wasted.