Kolkata, 02 June (H.S.): Kolkata Police has initiated a series of structural and administrative reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence, improving accountability and enhancing operational efficiency, with officials describing the measures as an effort to revive its historic reputation as the “Scotland Yard of the East.”

The reforms form part of a broader effort to modernise policing, improve discipline and reinforce institutional credibility at a time when public expectations from law enforcement agencies continue to evolve.

Among the recent measures are reviews of key cases and administrative decisions as part of efforts to strengthen institutional accountability and improve public trust in the policing system.

A key reform is the reintroduction of a uniform code for police personnel. Under a recent order, officers and staff across most departments will now be required to perform official duties in uniform. Exemptions have been granted only to specialised units such as the Detective Department, Special Branch, Enforcement Branch, Special Task Force and Cyber Crime Division, where undercover operations form an integral part of policing duties.

Officials said personnel from departments not covered by the exemption will need prior approval from senior authorities if they are required to undertake official assignments in plain clothes. The directive applies to duties ranging from raids and arrests to law-and-order operations.

The state government has also reassigned several experienced IPS officers to key responsibilities as part of the restructuring process. Among them are Damayanti Sen and K. Jayaraman, both widely regarded as experienced officers. They have been appointed member secretaries of two separate commissions headed by retired High Court judges.

The commissions have been tasked with examining issues related to governance, institutional functioning and public accountability.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has repeatedly stressed the need to modernise policing in the state. During a recent administrative meeting in Diamond Harbour, he called for the development of specialised policing units on the lines of international models and urged personnel to focus on physical fitness and professional standards.

The Chief Minister also announced plans to recruit an additional 20,000 police personnel across the state over the next six months to one year to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and improve public service delivery.

The state government has also initiated administrative restructuring measures aimed at strengthening transparency and institutional efficiency within the policing system.

Responding to the reforms, Kolkata Police Commissioner A.K. Nand said the force remains committed to professional policing, transparency and public service.

The objective is to strengthen public trust, improve accountability and enhance the operational efficiency of Kolkata Police. Every reform is aimed at ensuring that the force serves citizens with professionalism, integrity and fairness while adapting to the challenges of modern policing, Nand said.

Police officials maintain that the reforms are intended not only to improve discipline and efficiency but also to reinforce the institution's credibility and responsiveness to public needs.

With the latest changes, authorities hope Kolkata Police can strengthen its professional standards and reinforce the reputation that once earned it recognition as one of the country's most respected urban police forces.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh