Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Ban Duty-Related Photos, Videos at Sensitive Sites

The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate of Police has prohibited personnel deployed at sensitive and vital installations from taking or sharing photographs and videos on social media while on duty, officials said.

The directive, issued by Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh, follows observations that some police personnel had been posting videos and other content related to their duties, deployment locations and workplaces on social media and other public platforms.

According to the order, such posts could inadvertently disclose confidential information and security-sensitive locations, potentially creating additional challenges for the protection of vital installations.

“Such lapses and negligence may lead to a breach of security and expose sensitive information to the public domain,” Singh said in the order, stressing the need for strict adherence to security protocols.

The restrictions apply to personnel deployed at Lok Bhawan (Governor’s Secretariat), Lok Seva Bhawan (state secretariat), Lingaraj Temple, Odisha Assembly and Orissa High Court, among other important establishments.

The order also covers security personnel posted at the Reserve Bank of India, armouries and other sensitive installations. Personnel at these locations have been directed not to take photographs or record videos using electronic devices without prior permission from the competent authority.

The commissioner has instructed officers in charge of all important installations to strictly monitor compliance and prevent personnel from engaging in such activities.

The order specifically states that sentries deployed on duty are strictly prohibited from using mobile phones while performing their responsibilities.

The commissioner warned that any violation of the instructions would be viewed seriously and that disciplinary action would be taken as per applicable rules.

The directive comes amid heightened emphasis on preventing the public dissemination of information that could reveal security arrangements, deployment patterns or other details concerning protected installations.