Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora has issued a stern directive to all Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and other unit heads to “sensitise” personnel against posting reels or videos in police uniform on social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
The internal memorandum dated May 24, 2025, explicitly refers to such acts as “abuse of uniform” and declares them “unacceptable”, stating they go against the professional code of conduct laid out in the Social Media Policy of Delhi Police, last updated in August 2023.
The memo also includes a list of police personnel found engaging in such activities despite previous warnings. Officers have been asked to comply with the directive by June 15 and ensure that listed personnel are formally cautioned and made aware of the consequences.
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Guidelines Draw Clear Line Between Personal and Professional Conduct
The 2023 social media guidelines were introduced to uphold the integrity, discipline, and neutrality of Delhi Police officers. According to these rules, uniformed personnel are prohibited from using social media to:
- Comment on or disclose any confidential case information, particularly relating to suspects, trials, or victims.
- Share content that is derogatory, inflammatory, illegal, or obscene.
- Participate in or promote any political or religious activity, including joining forums or groups advocating caste, creed, or political ideology.
- Violate conduct rules through engagement in social media campaigns or expression of political views.
The Commissioner’s memo reinforces the need for officers to maintain a clear boundary between personal and professional lives, emphasizing that wearing the uniform in a personal capacity—especially for entertainment—is a breach of discipline.
Rise in Viral Police Reels Sparks Internal Alarm
The circular follows a noticeable surge in the number of Delhi Police personnel appearing in viral social media reels, often performing dance trends, lip-sync videos, and opinion pieces while in uniform. Though many of these posts are perceived as harmless or even entertaining by the public, senior officials have raised concerns about:
- Undermining the dignity and authority of the police uniform
- Creating vulnerabilities in terms of internal security or data exposure
- Setting a precedent that encourages indiscipline among lower ranks
The Delhi Police brass fears that such content could be manipulated or misused, especially given the sensitive nature of law enforcement duties. Commissioner Arora’s directive is an attempt to reassert institutional control and avoid further erosion of professional standards.
Officers have been asked to reinforce the social media code of conduct across ranks and to ensure that any violation is dealt with firmly, to maintain public trust and internal discipline.
The Delhi Police’s recent directive reflects a broader challenge facing modern law enforcement: balancing digital expression with institutional discipline. As the lines blur between private life and public persona on social platforms, police agencies across India are now tasked with not only enforcing the law but also navigating the optics of their presence in a hyper-connected world.