Pioneer Establishment for Media Connectivity by District Police Administration in Nadia, West Bengal

Now I.C., O.C., and S.H.O. Will Brief the Press Media

Chanchal Kumar Mazumder, KalimNews, Krishnanagar (Nadia), September 26, 2025 : In a groundbreaking initiative, the Krishnanagar Police District in Nadia, West Bengal, has pioneered a new media connectivity protocol that empowers lower-ranking police officers to directly engage with the press, marking a first of its kind in the nation. This move comes as part of a strategic shift from the traditional police communication structure, where only the District Police Superintendent (S.P.) or, occasionally, the Additional S.P. were authorized to brief the media. Historically, officers like the Officer-In-Charge (O.C.), Inspector-In-Charge (I.C.), or Station-Head-Officer (S.H.O.) were not allowed to directly address the media. However, the leadership of IPS Amarnath K., Superintendent of Police of Krishnanagar Police District, has introduced a pioneering three-tier media connectivity model.

On 25th September, the Krishnanagar Police District organized a friendly police-media get-together, named "Krishnanagar Police District-Media and Communication Protocol," in celebration of the Glorious Durga Puja Festival. The event was led by IPS Amarnath K. himself. During the gathering, the Additional S.P. (Village), Uttam Ghosh, elaborated on the new initiative, providing a PowerPoint presentation to the media about the changes and new practices being implemented.

The core of this initiative is the establishment of a tri-level Information Hub, designed to facilitate faster and more accurate communication between the police and media. The aim is to curb the spread of fake news and prevent the negative or misleading narratives about incidents from circulating in the public domain. This new system will also allow media personnel to receive real-time updates directly from the police, ensuring a quicker response in times of incidents or emergencies.

The first stage of this connectivity involves the "Police Station Media Cell", where the designated I.C., O.C., or S.H.O., along with the appointed Nodal Officer for the police station, will be authorized to brief the media on any local issues or updates. This will make it easier for reporters and journalists to get direct access to updates at the grassroots level.

The second level is the "Zonal Media Hub", which will operate at the sub-division level. Under the leadership of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (S.D.P.O.) and the District Special Police (D.S.P.), designated officers in these areas will also be authorized to give press briefings, offering more specific details about incidents and law enforcement activities within their jurisdiction.

The final stage is the "District Media Cell", led by the District Superintendent of Police (S.P.) and the Additional S.P. of the district, which will handle broader, district-wide communication. This tier will continue to oversee major incidents or updates that require a higher level of media engagement.

The most significant and impactful change introduced by this tri-level system is the empowerment of lower-ranking officers, such as the Officer-In-Charge, Inspector-In-Charge, or Station-Head-Officer, to communicate directly with the media. This decision aims to enhance transparency and foster a more immediate connection between the police and the public. By allowing these officers to share updates with the press, the police administration hopes to create a stronger and more positive relationship with both the media and the general public.

IPS Amarnath K. expressed his optimism regarding the new initiative, stating, "This will create a powerful and positive connection between the police, media, and the people, helping us maintain a flow of accurate information to the public."

Encouraging Media Responsibility

In his address, S.P. Amarnath K. also emphasized the important role of the media in a democratic society. He invited all media representatives to continue doing their job responsibly and urged them to ensure that the reports they publish contribute to creating a positive atmosphere in society. "The media is the Fourth Pillar of our Constitution and plays a vital role in shaping society. It is important that the media reports with integrity and focuses on disseminating positivity," he added.

The "Krishnanagar Police District-Media and Communication Protocol" marks a significant step forward in fostering collaboration between the police force and the media. By enabling lower-ranking officers to directly engage with the press, the initiative aims to streamline communication, enhance transparency, and prevent the spread of misinformation. It is hoped that this model will serve as a benchmark for other districts across the nation, paving the way for a more efficient and effective communication framework in police-media relations.

This initiative is expected to bring about a more informed and engaged public, with the media playing a central role in facilitating real-time updates and ensuring the accuracy of the information that reaches the community. The Krishnanagar Police District’s effort is a bold step towards reshaping the way police interact with the media and the public, contributing to better law enforcement practices and fostering trust within the community.