Emphasizing the need to modernize the force to meet emerging security challenges, State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar said effective communication, technological adaptation and ethical policing will define the future of law enforcement in Kerala.
Inaugurating a state-wide workshop of the Kerala Police Association in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, he also emphasized the need for meaningful communication, internal transparency and empathy-based policing.
Mr Chandrasekhar said the nature of crime has undergone a fundamental transformation, with criminals increasingly operating in digital and invisible spaces. “The challenges of 2026 are very different from those of the 1990s. In an age of cyber-terrorism, online fraud and technological crime, silence is an admission of defeat,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for modernization in cooperation with technological experts, other states and specialized agencies to effectively counter cybercrime and emerging threats. He called for the adoption of artificial intelligence and data-driven policing, which he described as the languages of the future.
Communicate and care
Mr. Chandrasekhar also called for greater transparency and openness within the force. He said police officers should be encouraged to talk about job stress, long hours and mental health issues. The time has come to move from a rigid command and control approach to a model of communication and care
“Khaki culture has been a silent suffering for too long. We cannot protect society if our own officers burn out in silence,” he said, adding that the association should act as a safe platform for officers to share their concerns.
Mr. Chandrasekhar also emphasized on the moral responsibility of police officers. He said integrity and adherence to the constitution should guide their actions, especially in times of pressure. “The mistake of a single officer makes headlines while the victims of thousands go unnoticed. We should speak our truth with integrity,” he said.
Published – 02 Jan 2026 20:33 IST
