Days after he took charge as the Karnataka State police chief, M.A. Saleem has written an open letter to all police personnel in the State, setting a 10-point agenda for the force, including the need to change the focus of criminal probes from being “accused-centric” to “victim-centric”.

“This will not only help us bring the perpetrators to book, but also help provide justice to the victims, ensure they get all benefits they are eligible for and help them recover and get on in life,” he said. He also said the focus of probes into the rising cyber crimes should be “recovery and returning the money lost to the victims”. 

Mr. Saleem listed not only maintaining law and order, effective criminal investigations, but also preserving peace and harmony, and crime prevention as priorities. Articulating his vision, he said all personnel should strive to “preserve peace and harmony, a secure environment in the State, and make the department people-friendly and modern”.

Apart from focusing on protecting women and children from crimes, stringent action against narcotics, cyber crimes and road accidents, Mr. Saleem appealed to police personnel to take up awareness campaigns among the people on these issues and make suitable interventions regarding the same.

He issued a stern warning against all illegal activities, including prostitution, gambling, narcotics, and rowdyism and asked police personnel to take strict action against them. 

The State police chief also said there should be no compromise on honesty by the personnel. He also directed senior officials to make the mental and physical health of the personnel, and boosting their morale a priority.