• President calls for stronger cybercrime policing.
• Deepfakes and misinformation identified as emerging threats.
• Officers urged to prioritise vulnerable communities.
• Public trust, teamwork and ethical leadership emphasised.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th Nov: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged IPS probationers to strengthen their approach towards cybercrime, stay ahead of technology-driven criminals and make policing more responsive to citizens.

The President was addressing officers of the Indian Police Service 78 RR (2025 batch), who called on her at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Emphasising public trust, President Murmu said police officers and constables are symbols of governance for citizens. She stressed that effective policing depends on how sensitively officers listen to and address public grievances.

She asked the probationers to give priority to socially and economically weaker sections, particularly those who have limited access to senior officials. Addressing their concerns and alleviating their fears should remain a key responsibility of the police.

On technology, the President encouraged officers to learn from junior team members who may have greater technological expertise. She also stressed teamwork, public participation and the welfare of police personnel to improve the effectiveness of the force.

Highlighting the importance of ethical leadership, she said legal authority alone does not earn public respect. Officers must establish their credibility through performance, conduct and a commitment to serving citizens rather than displaying superiority.

President Murmu also raised concerns over organised misinformation campaigns that can spread fear and influence young minds. Such activities, she noted, may operate at local, regional or national levels, making smart policing essential to prevent escalation.

Calling cybercrime an increasingly serious challenge, she urged police officers to expand public awareness and fundamentally reorient their approach to tackling digital offences. She particularly highlighted deepfakes as an emerging threat and stressed the need to remain technologically ahead of criminals.