‘Karnataka has made good progress in police reforms’: Karnataka DGP & IGP M A Saleem

He also said that Karnataka has introduced several positive directives and programs aimed at improving the police image and making policing more public-friendly, with a clear focus on a victim-centric approach.

In an interview with DH’s Prajwal D’Souza, Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) and Head of Police Force (HoPF), M A Saleem, outlined the state’s progress in implementing police reforms and reiterated his strict zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, including criminal misconduct, by his personnel.

Excerpts…

Where does Karnataka currently stand in terms of implementing police reforms?

Karnataka has made good progress in implementing police reforms, particularly through legislative amendments for fixed tenures in operational roles, and has achieved full compliance with Supreme Court directives from the Prakash Singh case and has also implemented Ribeiro Committee recommendations. Some of the key recommendations implemented are the establishment of the State Security Commission, Police Complaint Authority, ensuring a minimum tenure to all officers, improving police accountability and transparent appointment of DGP selected from among the three senior-most officers empanelled by UPSC. Body-worn cameras made statewide compulsory usage for ensuring transparency. Recent initiatives like Mane Manege Police (2025) and Sanmitra signal incremental efforts.

Have you introduced any special directives or programmes for improving the police image?

Karnataka has introduced several positive directives and programs aimed at improving the police image and making policing more public-friendly, with a clear focus on a victim-centric approach. The state government recently unveiled a new navy-blue peak cap for police constables, replacing the traditional slouch hat used for over 50 years. This change symbolises the beginning of broader reforms intended to modernise the police force's image and performance. The department has emphasised that the new cap is just a start and highlighted the need for improvement in police duties and conduct to build better public trust and professionalism. On the operational side, the state government launched special task forces such as the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, supported by the 'Sanmitra' program, targeting prevalent social issues like drug abuse. These initiatives reflect a victim-sensitive policing strategy aimed at protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring public safety with greater empathy. The Special Action Force (SAF) was formally inaugurated on June 13, 2025, as a dedicated rapid response unit to tackle communal incidents and unrest in the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga. Additionally, the focus of Karnataka State Police today is on giving importance to honesty, transparency, and victim-centric approaches in policing, underscored by recent directives focusing on cybercrime recovery and traffic safety. These efforts portray a commitment to reforming policing in Karnataka with a focus on public trust and service orientation. Together, these measures contribute to a progressively reformed, citizen-focused police force in Karnataka with an emphasis on dignity, respect, and justice for victims while enhancing the credibility and approachability of police personnel in the eyes of the public.

Where does the Karnataka police stand in terms of embracing and implementing emerging tech?

Karnataka Police stands at the forefront of embracing and implementing evolving technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance law enforcement efficiency and public safety. The state has developed an in-house AI platform called KSP.AI, launched officially in 2024, which uses sophisticated generative AI algorithms comparable to ChatGPT. This tool aids police by automating manual processes such as transforming complaints into standardised FIRs, identifying applicable laws and legal sections based on case facts, and summarising case details. Initial phases show a 99.9% accuracy rate within its trained domain, with plans to extend AI assistance to investigations, reducing human intervention and improving efficiency and accuracy. Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Karnataka, in collaboration with Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and Infosys Foundation, has established the Centre for Cybercrime Investigation Training & Research (CCITR) at the CID Headquarters, Bengaluru. This unique Public Private Partnerships (PPP), aimed at improving the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime cases through capacity building. The PPP combines CID’s institutional leadership, DSCI’s domain expertise, and Infosys Foundation’s infrastructural and financial support. The facility includes training halls, a digital forensics resource centre, a research and development unit, and a library. CCITR’s mission is to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement, judiciary and prosecution in handling cyber crimes. Its goals include developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for investigations, promoting research and innovation, fostering indigenous forensic tools, and enabling collaboration with digital forensics institutions. Since its inception, CCITR has trained over 56,000 personnel, including officers from the judiciary, the prosecution department, police, central investigation agencies, and armed forces, through various formats of training. It offers innovative learning techniques such as 'Capture-the-Flag' exercises and promotes practical learning using 'Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS)' tools. The key publications like the Cybercrime Investigation Manual, Handbook on Cybercrimes, and Pocket Guide on Cybercrime Investigation serve as vital references. Research outputs on Dark Web forensics, anti-forensics detection, drone forensics, and virtual asset seizure procedures enhance investigative capabilities. CCITR organises CIDE CODE Cybercrime Investigation Summits, Tech Hackathons, and Law Ideathons, fostering collaboration among practitioners and policymakers. The internship programs further strengthen this ecosystem by engaging students to understand real-world investigative challenges faced by law enforcement and contribute practical, research-driven solutions. CCITR is recognised by the World Economic Forum as a best-practice PPP model and serves as a national hub for capacity building, digital forensics research in cybercrime investigation and digital forensics. Beyond AI, Karnataka has deployed other tech-driven solutions such as the ASTraM system for traffic management, which uses AI and real-time data for congestion alerts, incident reporting, event planning, and ambulance tracking in Bengaluru. The state police also operationalise facial recognition technologies within Safe City projects and promote apps for cybercrime reporting and data analysis, reflecting a comprehensive tech-forward policing strategy. Overall, Karnataka Police exemplifies a tech-first policing model by integrating cutting-edge AI tools, digital platforms, and data-driven systems to transform investigation, crime prevention, public transparency, and community engagement. This advanced technological adoption aligns well with Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on leveraging technology and AI in policing, positioning Karnataka as a national leader in modern law enforcement practices.

What do you think can be done to ensure that misconduct by policemen isn’t repeated?

Karnataka State Police has a zero tolerance for any type of misconduct, including criminal misconduct. Criminal cases have been registered against police officers and policemen if they are found to be involved in any criminal activity or provide assistance to any criminal. Recent cases against six police officials are a testament to this fact. Apart from this, disciplinary action is taken against any misdemeanour. Transparency will be a key pillar. The department is committed to proactive communication with the public regarding incidents of misconduct and the corrective measures taken, reinforcing that our department does not tolerate wrongdoing. This honesty is essential to maintain public confidence and prevent rumours or mistrust from spreading. Internally, the leadership will lead by example, emphasising ethical standards and reinforcing a culture of integrity and responsibility among all ranks. To rebuild and sustain public trust, community engagement will be intensified. We will strengthen partnerships with local communities through outreach programs, citizen committees, and open forums to listen to concerns and involve the public in policing efforts. Officers will be trained and encouraged to serve as guardians of public trust, demonstrating fairness, respect, and transparency in all interactions. Through these efforts, the police force will reaffirm its role as a protector of the people and the rule of law, committed to accountability and ethical conduct at every level.

Is the state police working towards improving public awareness of the three new criminal laws?

Karnataka State Police is at the forefront in the implementation of new criminal laws. In fact, the first FIR under the new law was registered in Karnataka. The department is actively working to improve public awareness of the three new laws replacing the colonial-era statutes. A key initiative in this effort is the 'Mane Manege Police' (Police to Every Home) programme. Through this, our officers conduct direct, door-to-door visits to interact with residents, explain the new legal provisions, and clarify their rights and responsibilities under these laws. Based on the information available about citizens under the Mane Manege Police initiative, new schemes are being developed to give protection to elderly senior citizens who are staying alone. The initiative also serves as a platform to educate citizens about various safety issues and legal changes, ensuring the new laws are understood and accepted at the grassroots level. Officers listen to community concerns, provide guidance on matters including cybercrime, drug abuse, and women’s safety, and facilitate trust-building between the police and the public. This engagement is crucial for creating a well-informed society where the police and citizens work together harmoniously.