Kolkata, Sept. 20 -- The Kolkata Police has introduced a new code of conduct for civic volunteers, making quarterly performance reviews mandatory and providing for strict action, including dismissal, in cases of serious indiscipline, officials said on Sunday.

The guidelines, signed by Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda, are aimed at ensuring greater accountability in the functioning of civic volunteers, officials said.

Action can be taken against volunteers found guilty of negligence, indiscipline, involvement in criminal cases, prolonged unauthorised absence, corruption, extortion or misbehaviour with members of the public.

"Their work will be monitored regularly, and any proven misconduct will invite appropriate action," a senior police officer said.

According to the guidelines, a deputy commissioner of police can also take action if a civic volunteer becomes physically incapable of performing assigned duties or is unable to continue due to medical reasons.

The officer-in-charge of a police station or the head of a unit will prepare a report every three months on the conduct and performance of civic volunteers and submit it to the deputy commissioner of police (Home Guard).

"The assessment reports will be reviewed by senior authorities. The intention is to ensure that those deployed in support of police duties follow the prescribed standards and remain accountable for their conduct," the officer said.

The guidelines also prescribe a procedure for dealing with unauthorised absence. If a civic volunteer remains absent without permission, the officer-in-charge of the concerned police station must immediately inform senior authorities.

If the absence continues for seven consecutive days without authorisation, the volunteer will first be served a notice through WhatsApp, followed by another seven days to respond.

If there is no response or the volunteer continues to remain absent, a final notice will be issued. Failure to respond to the second notice or submission of an unsatisfactory explanation can lead to permanent dismissal from service.

WITH AGENCY INPUTS

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.