Telangana CM Revanth Reddy urges new DSPs to adapt policing to cybercrime and emerging threats

HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday called upon 112 probationary Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to uphold integrity, accountability and public trust, saying their conduct and decisions would influence the state’s policing standards and governance over the coming decades.

Addressing an interactive session with probationary DSPs at the Marri Channa Reddy Human Resource Development Institute (MCRHRD), the Chief Minister said the officers were entering a crucial phase of their careers, with significant responsibilities in maintaining law and order and addressing public grievances.

Revanth Reddy said the recruitment process had been undertaken under challenging circumstances and that the government had worked to ensure transparency from the initial notification to the final appointments.

He referred to the restructuring of the Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC), stating that the government had studied the procedures followed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and made changes to strengthen the recruitment system.

The Chief Minister said retired DGP Mahender Reddy was appointed as the first chairman of the restructured TGPSC, with experienced and reputed individuals selected as members. He also referred to the appointment of senior IAS officer Venkatesam as the commission’s current chairman.

Citing recruitment figures, he said 562 of the 563 candidates selected against notified posts had joined service. He described the recruitment of 112 DSPs as a significant achievement.

The appointments had faced allegations and legal challenges, he said, adding that the state government had approached the Supreme Court to defend the recruitment process and secure the appointments.

Revanth Reddy said the officers should not forget their backgrounds or the purpose for which they had joined the police force. Their knowledge, integrity and dedication had brought them into public service, and they should use their positions to serve citizens rather than pursue personal interests.

Compassionate policing and emerging crime challenges

Emphasising the importance of public interaction, the Chief Minister said people often approached the police as their first point of contact when confronted with problems.

He urged the probationary officers to listen carefully to complainants, understand the circumstances of their problems and respond with compassion. Victims visiting police stations should be treated with dignity and given an opportunity to explain their grievances, he said.

He also highlighted the importance of time, resources and technological support in resolving cases.

Referring to changes in the nature of crime, Revanth Reddy identified cybercrime as a major challenge, noting that offenders could financially devastate victims without ever meeting or seeing them.

He said policing must adapt to evolving criminal methods and emerging threats, including cybercrime and drug-related offences. Referring to the difficulties faced by Punjab in tackling drug supply, he underlined the wider challenge of controlling narcotics.

The Chief Minister said the reputation of the government and the police force would be shaped by the integrity and professionalism with which officers discharged their responsibilities.

Forensic handbook unveiled

During the programme, Revanth Reddy unveiled a Crime Scene Forensic Handbook intended to support police personnel in crime-scene investigation. He also presented awards to probationary DSPs who demonstrated outstanding performance during their training.

The Chief Minister viewed an exhibition of photographs documenting the training undertaken by the probationary officers.

The programme was attended by Chief Minister’s Advisor Shivadhar Reddy, MCRHRD Vice-Chairperson Shanthakumari, Director General of Police CV Anand and other senior police officials.