Kerala Police to have weekly holiday, monthly appreciation day to boost morale and work culture

Kerala Police is introducing a set of measures focused on personnel welfare, recognition of good work and greater public participation in policing.

The reforms follow directions issued by Law and Order ADGP P Vijayan to district police chiefs. They include a mandatory weekly day off for police personnel, leave for important family occasions and a monthly event to recognise outstanding police work and public contributions.

Weekly off made mandatory for police personnel

All police officers, including Station House Officers (SHOs), must be given one day off every week. District police chiefs have been directed to ensure that the leave is provided despite the demands of emergency policing.

The weekly off must be entered in the duty register in advance. Officers should also be allowed leave for important family occasions, including wedding anniversaries and the birthdays of children and other loved ones.

The directive says an officer's weekly leave should not be denied unless there are extremely urgent and unavoidable circumstances. The measure comes amid complaints that police personnel often lose their weekly day off for various reasons despite an existing provision for it.

The directions are intended to give officers time with their families and to attend to personal needs, while addressing concerns over increasing workload and mental stress among personnel.

Police officers and public to be honoured every month

Another reform introduces an ‘Appreciation Day’ across Kerala's police districts. The fourth Saturday of every month will be observed for the purpose.

Police officers who showed good service, exemplary conduct, notable investigative skills, bravery or dedicated performance during the previous month will receive appreciation certificates, mementos or other suitable recognition at a public gathering.

Members of the public who helped ensure public safety or provided valuable assistance to the police will also be honoured. The ceremony will be held at district or unit headquarters.

District police chiefs must attend the event, while zonal IGs and range DIGs are expected to participate wherever possible.

Details of the officers and members of the public honoured, along with the work for which they were recognised, must be documented every month. If the fourth Saturday is unsuitable, the event should be held earlier in the same month. Reports and photographs must be sent to the ADGP (Law and Order) within the month.