Bhubaneswar: The commissionerate police has barred personnel deployed at sensitive installations in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack from posting duty-related photos and videos on social media, citing security breach.The directive applies to police personnel deployed at key establishments, including Lok Bhavan, Lok Seva Bhavan, Sri Lingaraj Temple, Odisha legislative assembly, Orissa high court, Reserve Bank of India premises and armouries, among other sensitive installations. “Personnel posted at these locations cannot take photographs or record videos using any electronic device for any purpose without prior approval from the competent authority,” police commissioner S Dev Datta Singh said in an order issued on Saturday.“Sentries posted on duty are specifically prohibited from using mobile phones while on duty,” the order said.Singh also directed the officers in charge of these installations to ensure strict compliance with the order and prevent violations.The directive comes amid growing concern over the increasing tendency among some personnel to record and share content related to their official duties and workplaces online. “It has been observed that, in recent days, some police personnel have been sharing videos relating to their duties, deployments and workplaces on social media and other public platforms. In some cases, such videos inadvertently reveal confidential information and sensitive locations of vital installations,” read the order, according to which such lapses could compromise security by exposing sensitive information to the public domain and creating potential vulnerabilities in future.The order warned that any violation would be viewed seriously and dealt with under existing rules.“Security of critical installations cannot be compromised for social media activity. Even seemingly harmless videos can reveal deployment patterns, surveillance arrangements or access points that may be misused by anti-social elements. The order is intended to strengthen operational security and ensure disciplined conduct among personnel,” a senior police officer said.Another officer clarified that the directive was preventive in nature and not linked to any specific incident. “Police personnel are expected to maintain confidentiality while discharging their duties. The instruction serves as a reminder that operational information, deployment details and visuals from sensitive locations must remain protected,“ the officer said.Commissionerate police said the directive has been circulated to the deputy commissioners of police in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, as well as unit heads, for immediate implementation and dissemination among personnel under their command.
