Chandigarh— Punjab Police has tightened rules on social media conduct for its personnel, issuing a strict ban on making or uploading reels while wearing the official uniform. The decision comes after several viral videos in recent months showed police employees dancing, performing bhangra, or recording entertainment clips in uniform, prompting concerns over the force’s public image.
Fresh directives issued from the office of the Director General of Police instruct all Range IGs, DIGs, Police Commissioners and district SSPs to intensify monitoring and take immediate departmental action against anyone found violating the guidelines. Officials have been told to ensure that the dignity of the uniform is maintained at all times, both on and off duty.
To enforce compliance, the State Cyber Crime Wing has been appointed as the nodal agency. It will track suspicious social media activity, compile periodic reports and present them during review meetings chaired by the DGP. According to the department, violations will reflect in an employee’s Annual Confidential Report (ACR) and may also affect future promotions.
The move follows multiple incidents that embarrassed the force, including a viral reel by a woman constable in Bathinda who was later arrested in a drug-related case, and a separate incident in Mohali where heroin was recovered during a vehicle wash. These cases prompted the leadership to strengthen rules to prevent misuse of the police uniform and ensure accountability among personnel.
