Kerala Police Prohibit Mobile Phones for Guard Duty and Tighten Custodial Safety Rules

In a move that surprised many rank‑and‑file members, the Kerala Police have rolled out a set of fresh directives that explicitly forbid any guard or sentry from pulling out a mobile phone or other electronic gadget while on duty.

The order, signed by ADGP (Law and Order) P Vijayan, is aimed squarely at tightening security inside police stations and, more importantly, at curbing any chance of custodial torture. It isn’t just a ban on texting or scrolling – the message is clear: when you’re posted at the gate, your phone stays in your locker.

Beyond the phone ban, the guidelines lay out a handful of duties that guards must now perform with added vigilance. First and foremost, if a guard spots—or even suspects—that a detainee is being subjected to physical assault or any “third‑degree” method, the guard has to report the incident straightaway to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) or the District Police Chief. No “I’ll let you know later” excuses are tolerated.

Other key points include:

• Custodial safety: Guards must keep a close eye on the health—both physical and mental—of people held in lock‑ups, and ensure that the cells are free from any hazards that could enable a suicide attempt.
• Night vigilance: During night shifts, every visitor must undergo a strict procedural check‑in, and guards are expected to stay alert, treating the hours as a heightened security window.
• Fair treatment: Station in‑charge officers are reminded to treat every visitor with courtesy and respect, no matter the situation.

Perhaps the most practical change is the shift‑rotation rule. Where many stations previously managed guard duty with just two officers sharing a 24‑hour roster, the new order calls for three officers to be deployed. This, officials say, will spread the workload more evenly and reduce fatigue‑related lapses. On the flip side, senior officers have voiced worries that the extra man‑power requirement could stretch already thin staffing levels at smaller stations.

To make sure the directives are more than just paperwork, District Police Chiefs have been instructed to personally supervise station security and to conduct surprise inspections. The idea is to catch any non‑compliance before it turns into a larger problem.

Overall, the directives reflect a growing emphasis on accountability and humane treatment within Kerala’s law‑enforcement framework. Whether the police force can fully implement the changes without compromising manpower remains to be seen, but the message is unmistakable: when you’re on guard duty, your phone stays in the pocket, and any hint of abuse must be reported without delay.