Bengaluru, Oct 21 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said the state government had initiated steps to fill 7,925 vacant police posts, while 5,911 personnel had been recruited over the past three years.
Addressing a Police Commemoration Day programme here, he said the government was also prioritising police modernisation, with an allocation of around Rs 142 crore to enhance the force’s technological capabilities.
Paying tribute to police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty, Shivakumar said their sacrifice and courage were immeasurable.
“The service and bravery of police personnel who dedicate their lives to ensuring peace in society and sacrifice their lives in the line of duty cannot be measured,” he said.
The CM said the government was committed to strengthening the police force through recruitment, technological upgrades and improved infrastructure.
“Over the past three years, 5,911 police posts have been filled. Steps are being taken to fill another 7,925 vacant posts,” he said, adding that the government was also working towards establishing a permanent recruitment board to streamline the hiring process.
Stressing the need to equip the police force to tackle emerging challenges, Shivakumar said modern technology was being used in crime investigation, evidence preservation and crime prevention.
“An allocation of around Rs 142 crore has been provided to help police personnel become technology-friendly,” he said.
The government was also focusing on improving police housing and infrastructure under the ‘Police Gruha-2025’ programme, besides constructing new police stations and buildings and providing vehicles to the department, he said.
The welfare of police personnel and their families remained a priority, Shivakumar said, assuring families of those who died in the line of duty that the government would stand by them.
“Our duty is not limited to remembering the sacrifices of police personnel. It is also our responsibility to uphold the values of dedication to duty, discipline and public service that they stood for,” he said.
Paying tribute to police personnel from Karnataka who had laid down their lives in the line of duty, he reiterated that the government would always support their families.
“The lamp we light in memory of our martyred police personnel is not merely a symbol of tribute. It represents our resolve to protect peace, tranquillity and justice in society. Society will not forget your sacrifice, and the government will always stand with your families,” he said.
Describing the khaki uniform as a symbol of courage, trust and the assurance of justice, Shivakumar said police personnel must instil fear among criminals while assuring vulnerable people of their safety.
“Police personnel must be a nightmare for criminals. At the same time, they must assure the helpless that ‘I am here, and I will not allow any harm to come to you’,” he said.
Referring to traffic management challenges in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the city had a population of around 1.4 crore and approximately 1.31 crore vehicles, making traffic regulation a major challenge given the limited road infrastructure.
He commended police personnel for keeping traffic moving despite the pressure and said the government was working on strategies to control crime, curb rowdy activities and improve policing.
The CM said the police had played a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the state over the past three years, preventing serious crimes and ensuring public safety.
He urged police personnel to remain committed to their duties, adapt to emerging technologies and challenges, and serve the public without discrimination based on whether they were politicians, officials or ordinary citizens.
Shivakumar said the government valued the experience and service of retired police officers and was willing to draw on their expertise whenever necessary. PTI KSU SSK
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