Shimla: After winning applause for its creativity at the recent painting exhibition at Gaiety Theatre, the Himachal Pradesh Police is now pushing a broader makeover of the khaki image under DGP Ashok Tiwari.
The force is blending culture, welfare and technology-driven policing to project a softer yet more professional public image.
The “Harmony of Pines” police orchestra, though an older initiative of the department, continues to draw crowds at television shows, state functions and public events. The recent painting exhibition further highlighted the creative side of the police force.
These outreach efforts have gained significance after the recent controversy at a public function in Paonta Sahib where a DSP was reportedly pulled up publicly by the top cop. The incident had triggered resentment among sections of state cadre officers.
Within police circles, many officials see the latest welfare and outreach initiatives as confidence-building measures aimed at strengthening internal unity and taking the force forward as one team.
One of the biggest attractions of the new welfare push is the “Khaki Cafeteria” launched at Police Headquarters in Shimla. The modern and hygienic cafeteria is offering affordable food to police personnel and visitors.
Similar cafeteria and canteen facilities are now being introduced at Vigilance Headquarters and district police establishments across the state.
The department has also operationalised subsidised Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar facilities at Police Headquarters and district headquarters. Police personnel and their families are now getting essential commodities at economical rates.
Fitness and mental wellness have also become part of the new policing model. Modern gymnasium facilities have been developed at Police Headquarters for police personnel and government officials.
Crèche facilities for children of police personnel have also been introduced. Officials say the move is helping working parents perform duties with greater peace of mind.
Infrastructure modernisation is another major focus area. Police offices across Himachal Pradesh are being upgraded with digital systems, modern seating arrangements and citizen-friendly facilities.
On the road safety front, the State Police is increasingly relying on technology-based enforcement systems.
Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) have now been installed at 75 strategic locations across the state. The systems have electronically detected lakhs of traffic violations and generated fines worth crores without direct human intervention.
Officials say the technology-driven system has improved transparency and reduced manual interference in traffic enforcement.
The police department has also inducted a fleet of modern vehicles equipped with advanced road safety and emergency response systems. The move is aimed at improving accident response on the difficult hill roads of Himachal Pradesh.
The Himachal Police has also earned appreciation at the national level for digital policing initiatives, passport verification services and action against drug trafficking and organised crime.
Speaking on the reforms, DGP Ashok Tiwari said the focus remains on building a modern, welfare-oriented and citizen-centric police force.
He said better welfare facilities and improved working conditions directly strengthen public service delivery and public trust.
Despite the ongoing makeover, the public image of the police in the hills still largely remains that of khaki arrogance, high-handedness and fear rather than one of harmony and confidence-building.
For many ordinary citizens, approaching a police station is still seen as an intimidating experience best avoided unless absolutely necessary.
The distance between the force and the public, critics say, continues to be shaped by rigid behaviour, authoritative policing culture and occasional incidents of public humiliation or misuse of authority that reinforce mistrust.
It is this entrenched perception that the present outreach, welfare and cultural initiatives of the Himachal Pradesh Police now appear to be attempting to soften by projecting a more humane, accessible and people-friendly face of the khaki uniform.
From music and art to smart traffic systems and welfare reforms, the Himachal Police appears to be crafting a new identity for the khaki uniform in the hills.
But how people at large take it only time will tell.
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