‘The directions were aimed at ensuring that personnel maintain professionalism and restraint while performing crowd-management duties’
New Delhi
Delhi Police have advised their personnel to remain calm and avoid arguments with protesters while handling demonstrations. Senior officers have reportedly told police staff not to react angrily to provocative remarks or actions, stressing that their conduct should remain professional throughout public protests.
The directions come as police personnel increasingly face heated exchanges with protesters during demonstrations. Officials have reportedly reminded officers that angry reactions can quickly become the focus of attention and may be recorded and shared widely on social media.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the instructions were aimed at ensuring that personnel maintain professionalism, patience and restraint while performing their duties. Officers have been encouraged to avoid unnecessary confrontations and focus on maintaining law and order.
The message to personnel is simple: provocation should not lead to an emotional response. Police officers dealing with crowds are expected to remain disciplined even when protesters become aggressive or use harsh language. Officials believe that maintaining composure can help prevent situations from escalating.
The advice also reflects growing awareness of how videos recorded during protests can influence public opinion. A brief argument or angry exchange can quickly spread online, creating controversy and distracting attention from the actual issue being handled by police.
The senior officer said personnel have been asked to concentrate on their responsibilities and follow established procedures while dealing with protesters. The emphasis is on communication, restraint and professional behaviour rather than confrontation.
The Delhi Police’s approach seeks to ensure that public demonstrations remain peaceful and that officers do not become part of unnecessary disputes. Officials hope the guidance will help personnel handle challenging situations with greater patience and responsibility while protecting public order.
Protest key points
- Maintain professionalism during heated protests.
- Exercise patience and restraint.
- Avoid unnecessary officer confrontations.
- Prevent emotional responses to provocations.
- Keep composure to stop escalation.
- Prevent viral social media controversy.