Police Commissioner enforces strict dress code for office staff

In a move aimed at upholding discipline and professionalism, a day after joining as Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma has issued a stringent directive regarding the dress code for its office staff.

The order, a copy of which is with The Tribune, addresses concerns over employees wearing casual clothing such as jeans, T-shirts, and sports shoes during office hours at the Police Commissionerate.

The notice emphasises that police force is a “disciplinary class,” highlighting the need for a formal and uniform appearance. “It has been observed that the policemen/employees posted in the office do not dress properly in civil clothes and wear jeans, T-shirts, sports boots etc.,” the official order read.

To rectify this, the dress code mandates that male employees must wear formal pant shirts, while female employees must wear salwar suits with a dupatta. The order stresses strict compliance, indicating that non-adherence may lead to disciplinary action. The objective is to ensure that the department projects a professional image, reinforcing public trust.

The directive is effective immediately, and all employees are expected to comply from tomorrow onwards.

Officials within the police headquarters have declined to comment on the specific reasons behind the directive. However, sources suggest that the order aims to standardise office staff appearances, aligning them with the department’s professional standards.

Impact visible on ground

After the Police Commissioner’s strict orders, the impact was immediately visible at the Police Commissionerate office on Tuesday. Women cops were seen wearing salwar suit with duppata and male cops came dressed in formal attire, said a senior officer requesting anonymity. “These orders apply only to the Commissionerate office staff,” added a senior police official.