No political posts or anything against ‘national interest’: Delhi Police’s new social media guidelines

#JUSTIN: Social media rules for the Delhi Police personnel: Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora.@IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/XK0ZtMkXh6

— Mahender Singh Manral (@mahendermanral) August 25, 2023

“Police personnel shall not comment, post, transmit, or disseminate any confidential information relating to the guilt/innocence/ pending trial of any suspect or arrested person…police should not post comments that are inflammatory/derogatory towards victims, suspects or any other individual or group” reads the order.

The police chief said it is illegal to reveal the identity of juveniles or complainants in sexual assault cases. “Police can’t record videos of high-security areas or protected persons,” the letter reads.

The order further says the police can’t post anything against the “national interest” or internal security. “The content can’t be illegal, obscene, derogatory or something that violates conduct rules,” it says.

“Participation by police personnel in any group or forum which promotes any religion, or is made with intent to promote or agitate caste/creed/ sub-caste, is illegal. Police personnel should not post about any political topic. They should not be a part of any campaign.” reads the order.

Arora said there are mediums such as Sampark Sabha, Open House and other portals to submit grievances of police personnel. He said these mediums should be used instead of social media.

Police personnel have been directed to maintain the dignity of the uniform and police accessories and not use barricades, weapons and vehicles to make reels or videos.

“Delhi Police personnel should ensure that their posts do not prejudge the privacy, performance, discipline and goodwill of the department or their colleagues or reflect negatively on the image of the department,” reads the order.