Be police bhaiya or didi to build familiarity and approachability with residents: Panchkula DCP

During her visit, Gupta interacted with local residents, listened to their concerns, and took feedback regarding police responsiveness in the area.

Speaking about her observations, she said, “the police uniform is not meant to instill fear. If citizens fear us at first glance, we must change that perception through our behaviour and presence.”

On noting that during her interaction, some residents initially hesitated to speak, but eventually opened up after being engaged with warmth and empathy, she said that, “such responses prove that communication and connection are key to breaking the wall between police and public”.

The DCP stressed that police officers should not limit themselves to files, phone calls, or WhatsApp messages, but should regularly step into their respective jurisdictions and meet people where they are — particularly in slums, marginalised colonies, and remote villages.

She instructed her team to know the names and faces of the people they serve, and to forge trust-based relationships. “People come forward more freely when the police talk to them informally and respectfully,” she added.

Responding to concerns raised by residents regarding anti-social elements in the locality, the DCP assured action and announced that the names and mobile numbers of area SHOs and beat officers will be displayed prominently on local walls for easy public access in case of emergencies.

Further, she instructed that police personnel should patrol their areas in the morning and evening, not just as part of duty, but with the intention to build familiarity and approachability. “You should be known in the locality as police bhaiya or police didi — someone people trust and can count on,” she said.

“We must create an atmosphere where the presence of a police officer brings comfort, not fear. When the police get closer to the people, trust and cooperation naturally follow,” Gupta added.