Cuss word in cops’ phone call: Internal inquiry finds police code of conduct breached
The inquiry found that instead of informing his immediate superiors about the lack of reflective jackets, the traffic cop directly called the SP office.
The inquiry found that instead of informing his immediate superiors about the lack of reflective jackets, the traffic cop directly called the SP office.
The inquiry found that instead of informing his immediate superiors about the lack of reflective jackets, the traffic cop directly called the SP office.
Kochi: The internal inquiry into the viral phone call between two cops in Ernakulam Rural has found that the incident breached the police code of conduct and tarnished the reputation of the force, according to police sources. The Ernakulam Rural Special Branch DySP submitted the report to district police chief M Hemalatha on Thursday, days after the audio clip of the heated exchange between two policemen sparked a row. Now, the district police chief will decide on further actions against the officers involved.
The controversy began earlier this week when an audio clip of a traffic policeman in Perumbavoor calling the superintendent’s office in Aluva. The officer had requested a reflective jacket for night duty, citing lack of safety gear. During the call, a curse word was audibly heard in the background, prompting the caller’s angry reaction. The exchange went viral on social media, sparking public criticism and forcing the superintendent of police to order an internal probe.
“Breach of code of conduct is there for sure. The argument and the use of cuss words have tarnished the reputation of the force. Based on the inquiry report the district police chief can decide whether further actions should be taken,” a police officer said.
The inquiry found that instead of informing his immediate superiors about the lack of reflective jackets, the traffic cop directly called the SP office. One of the officers at the office used the cuss words while the cop who attended the call reportedly recorded it and shared it. Meanwhile, SP Hemalatha denied having received the report. “I did not receive the report. The inquiry has just started and it will take time,” she said.