Chandigarh [India], September 23 : Punjab Police on Monday launched an internal police reforms project in collaboration with the Indian Police Foundation (IPF), making Punjab the first state to introduce such an initiative.
The project, initially rolled out in two districts--SAS Nagar and Roopnagar, covering six and nine police stations, respectively--will eventually expand across the entire state. It is set to be launched simultaneously in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh.
According to a release issued on Monday by Punjab's Information and Public Relations Department, the initiative aims to enhance the registration of complaints/FIRs, improve police response and behaviour, minimise harassment, and promote citizen services and community engagement.
The project was formally inaugurated by Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) for Community Affairs, Gurpreet Kaur Deo, under the guidance of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, at the Punjab Police Officer's Institute (PPOI).
In her address, Special DGP Deo expressed full support for the IPF, emphasising Punjab Police's commitment to internal reforms for delivering top-quality policing services to the public. She highlighted that Punjab was the first state to introduce the SAANJH project, which enables citizens to access services such as police verification and reporting lost mobile phones online, without needing to visit police stations. Alternatively, citizens can approach SAANJH Kendras, located near police stations, where officers in civilian attire offer assistance in a welcoming environment. This initiative reinforces Punjab's commitment to citizen-friendly policing and community engagement.
The project aims to raise the professional and ethical standards of police personnel, enhance service quality and delivery, and uphold democratic values. By establishing standardised operating procedures focused on citizens' rights, professionalism, and transparency, Punjab is setting a precedent for police reforms that other states can follow.
Key areas of focus include accessibility and response, quality of investigation, citizen services, work environment, community policing, police behaviour, and training .