Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 27: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday highlighted the critical role of effective policing in driving economic growth, stating that law and order is a precondition for attracting investment in any state or region. She addressed the 77th RR batch of Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers of 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Murmu underscored the importance of technology in modern policing, noting that terms like “digital arrest” were unimaginable a decade ago but are now a significant tool in law enforcement. She stressed that IPS officers must stay ahead in adopting technologies, including AI, to counter misuse by those with wrongful intent.

Highlighting gender representation, Murmu lauded the batch for having 62 female officer trainees out of 174 probationers, marking the highest gender representation so far at over 36 per cent. She expressed hope that the number of lady IPS officers will continue to grow.

On ethical leadership, the President reminded officers that positions of authority come with accountability. She urged them to make ethical choices over expedient ones and emphasized that moral authority earns public respect and trust.

Acknowledging the challenging nature of police work, Murmu cautioned that constant exposure to crime could desensitize officers. She advised maintaining a compassionate core while performing their duties.

She also called for cultural de-colonisation in policing, urging officers to embody a spirit of service, sensitivity, and sympathy, particularly toward vulnerable and marginalised communities, ensuring the public sees the police as a source of support rather than fear.

President Murmu concluded that a future-ready, ethical, and tech-savvy police force will play a key role in building a Viksit Bharat.