Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand has issued a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for civic volunteers. The new guidelines set out stricter rules on attendance, conduct, and performance. The guidelines, issued on Friday, come amid criticism over alleged lapses in duty by civic volunteers and the recent arrest of a Kolkata Police civic volunteer in connection with a murder case in Jharkhand.
The new SOP has been circulated to police units across the city and aims to strengthen supervision and accountability among the auxiliary force.
Strict action over unauthorised absence
Under the new rules, officers-in-charge and unit heads have been asked to maintain strict discipline and take action against unauthorised absence and misconduct. They will have to send daily reports to the Deputy Commissioner of the Home Guard Organisation (DC, HGO) about civic volunteers who remain absent without permission.
The SOP sets out a two-stage notice system. If a civic volunteer remains absent without authorisation for seven consecutive days, the person will receive a first notice either electronically via WhatsApp or directly. If the absence continues, a second and final notice will be issued seven days later. The volunteer will then be allowed to explain the reason for the absence.
If the explanation is not found satisfactory, the volunteer will be permanently demobilised. The process will be initiated by the unit-in-charge and completed with the approval of the DC, HGO.
The guidelines state that absence will be accepted only in certain circumstances, including verified personal illness or the death of a family member or close relative.
Performance reports and training made mandatory
The new SOP also puts greater emphasis on regular assessment of civic volunteers. Unit heads will now have to submit performance and assessment reports twice a year for every volunteer under their jurisdiction. The reports will be used to assess whether their conduct and performance remain satisfactory.
Attendance at prescribed training programmes will also be monitored strictly. Police orders issued earlier had already made such training mandatory, and the latest guidelines reiterate that requirement.
Commanding officers of all divisions, traffic guards and specialised units have been directed to circulate the SOP widely and ensure immediate compliance. Both English and Bengali versions of the guidelines have been issued.
FAQs
Q: What is the new Kolkata Police SOP for civic volunteers?
It is a set of guidelines covering civic volunteers’ attendance, conduct, performance, discipline, and training.
Q: What happens if a civic volunteer is absent without permission?
A first notice is issued after seven consecutive days of unauthorised absence. If the absence continues, a second and final notice is issued seven days later.