Kolkata: The Kolkata Police has prohibited its personnel from using mobile phones along with other hearing devices on duty.The top brass has warned that any violation of this directive will attract severe disciplinary action.The official order, which was sent to all police units on Saturday, is for personnel on active duty. “It is hereby ordered that no police personnel, while performing sentry duties in any unit of Kolkata Police or other active duties, shall use any gadgets such as mobile phones, earphones, or headphones,” the directive states.A senior Kolkata Police officer confirmed that every police station under their jurisdiction has already been thoroughly briefed about the implementation.The decision stems from repeated monitoring and surveillance observations where several on-duty officers were found glued to their mobile screens.Senior officials observed that personnel were often listening to music or watching videos with their earphones plugged in.“If the police themselves fail to follow these basic tenets of public safety and attentiveness, it sets a bad example for common people,” a senior officer said.Kolkata police commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand issued the immediate directive to curb the practice. According to sources, the restrictions will be enforced strictly during critical operations.However, minor operational exemptions have been made. Personnel will be permitted to use mobile phones strictly for emergency official communications. Traffic police personnel are also exempted from the mobile ban.
