Chennai police commissioner AK Viswanathan lists 10 commandments for cops

Chennai: ‘So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets’--Matthew 7:12. Chennai police commissioner A.K. Viswanathan has tossed the Golden Rule at the top of his ten commandments to his force imploring them to deal with the public in humane manner with sensitivity and sense of responsibility.

Addressing the weekly parade of the armed reserve police at the Rajarathinam stadium in Egmore on Saturday, he said police should function as true friends of the people, in every sense. All petitions from the public should be acknowledged with issuance of Community Service Register (CSR) note or First Information Report (FIR), he said. “Do not drag or push over the complaints citing jurisdiction issues”, said the Commissioner, obviously referring to the toughest problem faced by a citizen seeking help and getting tossed from one station to another.  

Commissioner Viswanathan reiterated the police manual requirement that only women police should conduct enquiries with women who come to the stations or are brought there. Also, police should handle the motorists politely but firmly during vehicle checks. Take action as per law if there is any violation of traffic rule, but there is no  need to be rude in the process, he counseled his cops. Needless to say this would be the most difficult advice for the Men in White to follow considering that bribe and abuse have long remained integral parts of their uniform.

Another tough advice from AKV to his cops was to follow rules themselves. They should wear helmets while riding and they should ensure their uniforms are clean and smartly pressed. “Take care of your health, report for annual health check-up without fail”, the top cop told his men and women. “Spend your free time with the family and focus on the education of your children”.

This is not the first time that Commissioner AKV has shown such concern for the citizen as well as the uniformed personnel. His handling of the critical period of communal strife during his tenure as the Commissioner in Coimbatore had won appreciation not just from his peers in the force but also from the leaders of both the communities.