Raipur, March 30 Sensitivity combined with modern technology is a key feature of modern policing, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Monday, emphasizing that gaining public trust is as important as maintaining law and order.
Sai was speaking at the passing-out parade of 859 sub-inspector cadre trainees at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose State Police Academy in Chandkhuri village in Raipur district.
The chief minister stated that his government has been working on three key pillars — security, development, and trust — and the police play a vital role in strengthening all three.
Policing should go beyond simply enforcing law and order, he emphasized, urging officers to connect with society and gain people's confidence.
"While an area can be controlled through fear, hearts can only be won through trust," he said.
A total of 859 trainees, including 54 sub-inspectors, 528 sub-inspectors (general duty), two sub-inspectors (computer), one sub-inspector (radio), one sub-inspector (fingerprint), 68 sub-inspectors (special branch), and 205 platoon commanders, completed their training in this batch.
Sai referred to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and noted that efforts are underway to build a smart, technology-driven, and sensitive policing system across the country.
While future policing will rely on digital tools and advanced technologies, public trust can only be earned through conduct, integrity, and dedication, he said.
Describing police service as prestigious and highly responsible, the chief minister said integrity is its foundation and reminded the trainees that the police's primary duty is to protect citizens, as people turn to them first in times of insecurity.
"The uniform is not just a symbol of authority, but a commitment to public safety and dignity," he said.
Highlighting reforms in Chhattisgarh's policing system, Sai said recruitment processes have been made transparent and faster, modern equipment is being used, and special units have been established to tackle cybercrime.
"Training systems have also been made more practical and modern. Policing in the future will evolve from a reactive force to a proactive, service-oriented agency," he said.
Sai said that the country is currently undergoing a phase of historic transformation, wherein new laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — have been implemented to replace colonial-era laws.
He noted that this is the first batch of sub-inspectors trained under the new legal framework and expressed confidence that they will strengthen the justice system.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma said the newly trained officers would further strengthen the state police force and urged them to ensure an environment where criminals fear the law and citizens trust the police.
Sai inspected the parade, took the salute, and congratulated the officers on the successful completion of their training.