Karnataka Police Complaints Bureau Recommends Ban On ‘Khaki Swag’ Reels, Uniform Posts On Social Media

The authority noted that while the police uniform symbolizes discipline, integrity, duty and public service, some officers are increasingly using it for personal promotion by creating reels, dance videos, pre-wedding shoots, motivational content, blogs and videos featuring official vehicles, firearms and other police equipment. | Photo credit: Image for representational purposes

The Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority (KSPCA) has recommended a nationwide ban on uniformed police personnel posting reels, photographs, pre-wedding photoshoots and other content on social media, saying the growing trend of “Khaki Swag” is undermining the dignity, discipline and public trust associated with the police force.

In a letter dated July 14, 2026 to the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), KSPCA member Mohan Kumar Danappa urged the police department to issue strict guidelines prohibiting officers and staff at all levels from uploading photos, videos, blogs or reels in police uniform on personal social media accounts.

The authority noted that while the police uniform symbolizes discipline, integrity, duty and public service, some officers are increasingly using it for personal promotion by creating reels, dance videos, pre-wedding shoots, motivational content, blogs and videos featuring official vehicles, firearms and other police equipment. It also expressed concern about senior officers allegedly using duty, inspections, law and order bandobasts and crime scene visits to make promotional videos for social media.

According to the letter, such content not only affects the image of the police department, but also reveals official premises, vehicles, weapons and operational details, raising security concerns and potentially violating the Official Secrets Act of 1923. The agency further claimed that fraudsters have misused photos of police officers in uniform to create fake social media accounts and scam members of the public.

The KSPCA pointed out that several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar, have already imposed restrictions on police personnel posting social media content in uniform. He also referred to a standing order issued by the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner on 22 July 2024 against such practices, stating that compliance was still insufficient.

Among its recommendations, the authority called for a total ban on posting photos, reels or videos in police uniform on personal social media accounts and the use of uniform photos as display images, the removal of all existing photos, videos and pre-wedding shoots in uniform from personal accounts and fan pages, continuous monitoring of police personnel’s social media accounts by the social media department and disciplinary action against violators to prohibit trainers from creating uniforms and sharing photos in police academies or training centers. or displaying firearms on social media.

Published – 20 Jul 2026 20:48 IST