Cops banned from using social media 9 times in 3 years

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police authorities have banned the use of social media by cops at least nine times since November 2021, but violations of the orders continue, sparking anger among senior officials.

After recent reports of ongoing violations, the Central Police Office (CPO) imposed another ban and directed relevant officers to submit a report within a week on the actions taken against those defying the policy.

“Despite the clear ban on the use of all types of social media applications and groups, the Competent Authority has observed that most police personnel are not adhering to the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and continue to use these platforms. Such violations not only undermine the integrity of the department but also pose serious risks to the safety and security of KP Police personnel,” stated a letter issued by the CPO on April 8.

The letter reiterated that the KP Police Social Media Policy, along with related instructions, had been issued multiple times over the years.

“In circulars issued by the CPO, clear instructions were given to all ranks to ensure strict compliance with the said policy,” stated a letter by Additional Inspector General Internal Accountability Muhammad Alam Shinwari, addressed to all regional and district police officers as well as unit heads.

The KP Police authorities have banned social media usage by personnel of all ranks on several occasions, yet many officers have openly violated the ban. The first ban was imposed in November 2021, followed by letters in August 2022, two more in April 2023, and again in December 2023. Further bans were imposed in January, June, and September of 2024 after continued noncompliance by personnel.

In some cases, restrictions even extended to the use of smartphones during duty hours, but these too were widely ignored.

“Some policemen have become social media celebrities in recent years by appearing in uniform on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and others. Many of them openly flout the ban by making videos in uniform, inside official vehicles and offices,” a police official said.

Several of these social media-active officers have also used their platforms to criticize various policies of the police force and the government.

“While a few go silent after each ban, the majority continue using social media despite repeated orders. Some are even supported by their superiors, as they promote them in videos and posts to gain favours and secure better postings,” another police officer claimed. He alleged that some of these individuals have been awarded postings more desirable than those of their seniors and also earn more from social media than from their official salaries.

The April 8 letter also reminded all police officers that they had previously been instructed to establish Social Media Monitoring Units within their respective offices to keep an eye on online activities of police personnel.

It emphasized that any violation of the Social Media Policy should be met with immediate departmental or legal action.

The letter also requested a compliance certificate confirming the closure of all unauthorized social media and WhatsApp groups. However, no such reports had yet been submitted.

“Furthermore, it has been observed that unauthorized access is often given to media personnel to record the statements of accused individuals in custody. The superior judiciary has taken serious notice of this practice, and instructions have already been issued to stop it,” the letter noted.

A detailed report from all police officers has been sought within one week, outlining the steps taken to implement the KP Police Social Media Policy, including disciplinary actions against those found violating it.