Karnataka Police Complaints Authority member proposes seniority badges for police personnel

The proposed system would recognise their long service, enhance their sense of responsibility and ensure that experienced personnel receive due respect within the department and society. Representational file image.

A member of the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority, has urged the State Government to introduce special designations and insignia on police uniforms to recognise the seniority of personnel based on their years of service, irrespective of promotions.

In a letter dated November 5 to Minister for Home, IT-BT and E-Governance Priyank Kharge, Karnataka State Police Complaints’ Authority member Mohan Kumar Danappa proposed introducing three categories of seniority for police personnel, from constables to non-IPS officers.

According to his proposal, personnel completing five years of service should be designated as ‘Senior’, those completing 10 years as ‘Super Senior’, and those completing 15 years as ‘Most Senior’. He has suggested that distinct insignia corresponding to these designations be displayed on the right side of the chest, above the nameplate.

Mr. Danappa pointed out that although police personnel generally become eligible for promotion after five years of service, promotions are largely dependent on the availability of vacancies. As a result, many experienced personnel continue in the same rank for years without any formal recognition of their seniority and experience.

He said the proposed system would recognise their long service, enhance their sense of responsibility and ensure that experienced personnel receive due respect within the department and society.

Citing the practice of providing black collar patches to IPS officers after 10 years of service, he said similar arrangements were also followed in certain State police forces and Central Armed Police Forces.

He also referred to the State Government’s recent initiatives to replace British-era police caps and introduce lanyards in place of whistle chains, stating that recognising seniority through uniform insignia would be another significant reform to boost the morale of police personnel.

If implemented, Karnataka could become the first State in the country to introduce a structured system of seniority-based designations and uniform insignia for police personnel, he said.

Mr. Danappa has requested the Home Minister to examine the proposal and issue necessary directions to the concerned authorities for its implementation.