Rajasthan Police has launched a structured three-day training initiative aimed at improving police-public relations across the state, combining sensitivity towards citizens with a firm stance against crime. The programme, titled 'Positive Behaviour in Policing', commenced on Thursday, 15 October 2026, at IIHMR University in Jaipur, and will run until 17 October.

Programme Overview

A total of 35 police personnel are participating in the training, which focuses on improving conduct during public interactions, building transparent communication and fostering a positive perception of policing. Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Kumar Sharma inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp and addressed the participants directly.

What DGP Sharma Said

Addressing participants, DGP Sharma said Rajasthan Police's sensitive approach towards the public and firm action against criminals are already being discussed across the country. He stressed that all personnel share the responsibility of maintaining this image. 'Treat people at the police station the way you would want to be treated yourself,' he told participants, urging them to adopt the perspective of a citizen visiting a station to lodge a complaint.

He was clear that sensitivity does not mean leniency towards offenders. Rather, he said, it means ensuring that victims receive appropriate assistance through proper legal procedures. Firmness towards criminals and sensitivity towards the general public, he asserted, must remain the two fundamental pillars of policing.

Recognising the Pressures of Police Work

Acknowledging the demanding nature of the profession, the DGP noted that personnel routinely face long working hours, pressure to make rapid decisions, and constantly evolving challenges. In such conditions, he said, clear communication, empathetic behaviour and an unwavering commitment to the law are essential. He also pointed out that police conduct is under constant public scrutiny in an era of increasing transparency, urging participants to share professional experiences and successful case studies during the sessions.

Broader Context and What This Signals

The initiative comes at a time when police reform and public accountability are recurring policy conversations across several Indian states. Rajasthan Police's decision to institutionalise behavioural training — rather than restrict reform efforts to administrative directives — reflects a shift toward embedding citizen-sensitivity in operational culture. This is the first such structured programme conducted at IIHMR University, a recognised health management institution, indicating a cross-sector approach to professional development. The programme's focus on police station-level interactions is significant, given that most citizens' contact with law enforcement occurs at that level. Going forward, the outcomes of this batch's training may determine whether the initiative is scaled to a wider pool of personnel across the state.