In a significant move towards gender equality within the police force, the Kerala Police have revised the oath taken during its passing-out parade. The update removes the gender-specific term 'policeman' and replaces it with the term 'police personnel' to ensure equal representation for both male and female recruits.

On January 3, Additional Director General of Police(ADGP, Law&Order) Manoj Abraham, who holds the charge of DGP, issued a circular on behalf of the Home Department announcing the change. The new wording now states, "I swear to perform my duties and responsibilities as a police personnel," replacing the previous phrasing, "I swear to perform my duties and responsibilities as a policeman." In the past, terms such as "woman police constable," "woman head constable," "woman sub-inspector," and others were prohibited by a 2011 directive from the State Police Chief.

As per Section 87 of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, every member who joins the Police Force under this Act shall, on satisfactory completion of training, take an oath (in the prescribed format) before the appointing authority or an officer nominated by him.

Here's a translation of the modified oath:
I solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India and the established Indian Constitution. As a member of the Kerala State Police Force, I pledge to serve the people honestly, impartially, and with sincerity, free from bias, personal preferences, enmity, or revenge. I will use my knowledge, skills, and competence to the best of my abilities to serve the public, while upholding the dignity and rights of individuals as enshrined in the Constitution. In my role as a police personnel, I will carry out my duties and responsibilities in a manner befitting the honour of the police, while ensuring that I protect the dignity of the force and fulfil my obligations to the best of my abilities. I take this oath with full dedication.