Aimed at enforcing discipline, it was issued by Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand for all such personnel. Kolkata: A comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) was issued on Friday for civic volunteers of the police force.
The stringent guidelines come in the wake of mounting public criticism over repeated dereliction of duty by civic volunteers and the recent high-profile arrest of a Kolkata Police civic volunteer in connection with a murder case in Jharkhand. Under the new directives, circulated by DCP (Home Guard Organization), officers-in charge and unit heads have been tasked with enforcing zero tolerance for unauthorised absence and misconduct. Units must now submit daily reports detailing any missing volunteers directly to DC (HGO). Furthermore, unit heads are now mandated to submit bi-annual performance and assessment reports for every civic volunteer under their jurisdiction to evaluate whether their conduct remains satisfactory. Commanding officers across all divisions, traffic guards, and specialised units have been instructed to ensure wide circulation and immediate compliance with the SOP in both English and Bengali versions. The proactive measure marks a concerted effort by the city’s top cop to overhaul supervision standards and restore credibility in the auxiliary force.
Attendance at prescribed training sessions, as stipulated in earlier police orders, must also be strictly enforced.
Failure to respond satisfactorily to the second notice will lead to permanent demobilisation, initiated by the unit-in charge and finalised by DC (HGO). The order specifies that absences will only be excused under validated circumstances, namely personal illness or the death of a family member or close relative.