CM Stalin urges new police recruits to be firm against crime, compassionate towards people

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday congratulated newly appointed police personnel and urged them to discharge their duties with compassion, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility, while acting firmly and fearlessly against crime.

Addressing the recruits while extending New Year 2026 greetings, the Chief Minister said their hard work and dedication had earned them a place in the police force and that their social responsibility had now increased manifold. He underlined that policing requires a careful balance being “brutal against crime and kind towards people.”

Stalin explained that while strict and uncompromising action against criminals is essential to maintain law and order, police personnel must remain humane, approachable and courteous towards law-abiding citizens. This balance, he said, is vital to preserving public trust and ensuring that people feel safe at all times.

He noted that citizens are able to move freely late at night and early in the morning because they have confidence in the police. Tamil Nadu, he said, is known across India as a safe state and an island of peace, which has also made it a preferred destination for global investors. The newly appointed personnel, he stressed, must uphold this trust.

“At the same time, even if a single police officer makes a mistake, it undermines the trust people place in the entire department. You must act with utmost care,” Stalin said, adding that positive actions bring pride to the force, while even one lapse can erode public confidence.

Highlighting crimes against women and children as a top priority, the Chief Minister said such offences affect the most vulnerable sections of society and must be handled with extreme sensitivity and zero tolerance. Any negligence, he cautioned, can deepen the trauma of victims and weaken faith in law enforcement.

He also issued a strong directive against narcotics trafficking, calling for a zero-tolerance approach. Stressing personal responsibility, Stalin said the spread of drugs, if left unchecked, could harm even police families and future generations.

Urging officers to take personal ownership of law and order, he said each police personnel should resolve, “In the area under my charge, I will not allow any crime to take place beyond my control.”

Recalling an incident from last year’s floods, Stalin cited the example of a woman police officer who saved an injured person, saying policing is inseparable from humanity and that compassion forms the foundation of bravery. He asked officers to ensure that the slogan “police are friends of the people” is reflected in their conduct.

The Chief Minister said authority must always be exercised reasonably and for the benefit of the public. Police personnel, he added, should be polite and accessible while remaining firm in preventing crime.

Highlighting welfare initiatives for police personnel, Stalin said his government has introduced weekly holidays, doubled insurance coverage, conducted regular medical check-ups for personnel and their spouses, and provided scholarships for their children. He also referred to welfare stores, special night-patrol allowances, training programmes for women police, improved housing facilities and large-scale recruitment.

He said compassionate appointments have been given to the dependents of police personnel who died in service and assured continued government support for police families.

“Because you perform your duties day and night, on festivals and weekends, everyone from the Chief Minister to the last citizen can live and work without fear,” he said.

Urging the force to maintain law and order without compromise, Stalin asked police personnel to uphold the dignity of the khaki uniform and maintain good physical fitness. Emphasising the importance of health, he advised them to engage in regular exercise and participate in sports.