CM Siddaramaiah launches new police ‘peak cap’, urges professionalism and discipline among force
Bengaluru : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday unveiled the new ‘P-cap’ (Peak Cap) for the state police personnel, marking a symbolic shift from the traditional ‘slouch cap’ worn since 1956.
Speaking at the event held in Vidhana Soudha’s Banquet Hall, the Chief Minister said the change in uniform should also inspire a change in attitude, efficiency, and accountability within the force.
“Merely changing the cap is not enough. Along with the uniform, there must be a transformation in your professional conduct. You should work efficiently to reduce crimes and maintain peace in society,” Siddaramaiah said, while also launching the Anti-Narcotics Task Force.
The Chief Minister noted that Karnataka ranks first in the country in justice delivery, as per the India Justice Report, and attributed it to the effective law enforcement by the state police. “We created this new task force to make Karnataka a drug-free state. Earlier, Mangaluru was seen as riot-prone, but we restored order through timely administrative changes. Police must act swiftly to prevent crimes, investigate them properly, and ensure punishment,” he added.
Siddaramaiah, however, delivered a stern warning to erring officers. “Some police personnel are involved in real estate dealings or collude with drug peddlers and rowdies. Such behaviour must be crushed at the root before small-time offenders grow into hardened criminals,” he cautioned.
He further urged officers to maintain distance from criminal elements, saying, “The fear of police among criminals is diminishing. Introspect on why this is happening. Do not build relationships with wrongdoers. Your credibility is your biggest strength.”
‘Historic step in police modernization’ – Home Minister Parameshwara
Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara hailed the introduction of the P-cap as a historic move in the evolution of the state police force. “The slouch cap introduced in 1973 during Chief Minister Devaraj Urs’s tenure has now been replaced. We studied caps used in other states before finalizing this design. This marks a new era for our police,” he said.
He also announced that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved the recruitment of 8,500 constables out of 14,000 vacant posts. “The government has already appointed 545 PSIs who are undergoing training, and another 402 PSIs have been recruited. The official notification for constable appointments will be issued within a week,” he confirmed.
Parameshwara added that the government has built 15,000 police quarters under the housing scheme and plans to extend it for another five years. The Home Minister also highlighted a new law ensuring a minimum two-year tenure for officers from the inspector to SP level to promote administrative stability.
DCM Shivakumar warns against politicization of the force
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who was present at the event, reminded police personnel of their duty to remain politically neutral. “Whatever government is in power, your integrity and dedication must remain unchanged. Do not become political followers or bend to political pressure. Some officers wore saffron robes instead of their uniforms during Ayudha Puja under the previous regime. Such acts damage the department’s dignity,” he warned.
“You are protectors of society. Do not compromise your professionalism. The people and the government trust you. Betraying that trust will erode your credibility,” he added.
Confidence boost for police morale
Director General of Police Dr. M.A. Saleem said the decision to introduce the new cap fulfills a long-pending demand of nearly 85% of the force. “This move has boosted morale and confidence among our personnel,” he remarked.
The event also marked the official launch of the State Anti-Narcotics Task Force and the ‘Sanmitra’ awareness program, aimed at community collaboration to monitor drug trafficking and addiction.
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