Mumbai police commissioner's circular upsets juniors

In an unusual circular, Mumbai police commissioner Arup Patnaik has warned his subordinates not to "interrupt" him when he was in conversation with others and if they continue doing so would invite adverse remarks in their Annual Confidential Report.

The circular has upset his junior officers and lower-rung policemen, who now hesitate to approach the top cop either to discuss any problem or any idea, a senior police officer said.

The circular issued recently by the city police chief says, "The commissioner of police has observed that officers interrupt (him) when he is conversing with others or while talking over telephone. This is against the service decorum and etiquette. When seniors are talking, the juniors should not interrupt unless permitted to speak. Such repeated interruptions do not indicate officer-like qualities and if repeated, it will be reflected adversely in the Annual Confidential Report of the Officer."

Responding to the note, another IPS officer said, "In meetings held soon after taking charge as the commissioner, Patnaik sir had described himself as "Big Brother" to us and told us to approach him anytime on any idea or problem. He said he would address our problems. But this is a strange circular."

An inspector at a police station said, "This would hit our morale. Such warnings are usually given orally. But it is strange that it has come in writing."

Repeated attempts to contact the city top cop failed.

However, deputy police commissioner Rajkumar Vhatkar, who is also city police spokesperson, said, "The circular has been misinterpreted.

Vhatkar said some policemen thought that the commissioner did not like approaching him but it was not true.

"He (Patnaik) has always stated that he is available all the time for us. The circular had to be issued as there were several instances where he was disturbed or interrupted by juniors without listening to him as to what he wanted to say," the spokesperson said defending the top cop.

The chief just wanted to bring discipline in the force, Vhatkar said.

An IPS-turned-lawyer YP Singh stated the circular should have been more elaborate which would have sent a right message among the force.

"By reading the note, one will think he (Patnaik) is constantly getting disturbed for which he is upset. If he wants to bring discipline in the force, he should send an elaborate and clear message, leaving no room for misinterpretation, and if possible without warnings," Singh said.