Bengaluru Police Face Calls for Mandatory Alcohol Testing During Night Duty

The state’s oversight body is pushing for stricter oversight and breathalyser checks after a surge in reports of misconduct by officers patrolling after dark.

The Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority (KSPCA) has formally requested the state’s top leadership to implement mandatory breathalyser tests for police personnel reporting for night duty. In a pointed communication to the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), the authority highlighted an urgent need to restore public trust following a spate of troubling reports involving staff on the beat.

A Pattern of Misconduct

The push for reform stems from recurring complaints regarding the behaviour of some police personnel during the graveyard shift. According to KSPCA member Mohan Kumar Danappa, the authority has received multiple reports of officers abusing their position while in uniform. Allegations range from the petty, such as consuming food at roadside eateries and hotels without paying, to more serious criminal behaviour including the use of abusive language and physical assault against members of the public.

Beyond the harassment of civilians, the authority expressed concern over reports of officers purchasing and consuming alcohol while on active duty. These incidents, often captured and circulated on social media, have become a significant source of embarrassment for the department, casting a shadow over the professional conduct of the force across Karnataka.

Harassment and Roadside Policing

The complaints extend to the manner in which night-time vehicle checks are conducted in Bengaluru and other urban centers. Motorists have reported being stopped unnecessarily by police patrols, even when they have committed no traffic violations and possess all required documentation. In these instances, the interaction often devolves into discourteous or aggressive behaviour by the officers, further alienating the public from the law enforcement agencies tasked with their protection.

Proposed Systemic Changes

To curb these issues, the KSPCA has recommended a multi-layered approach to accountability. The proposed strategy includes: * Mandatory breathalyser tests for all staff before they begin their night duty shift. * Surprise inspections and random alcohol testing for personnel currently on patrol. * Increased supervision of patrol vehicles and emergency response teams during the night. * Strict enforcement of these protocols, with directives to be clearly communicated to staff during daily roll-call sessions.

By formalizing these checks, the authority aims to ensure that those entrusted with maintaining order do not themselves become a source of disorder. While the department has long relied on internal oversight, these recommendations suggest that the KSPCA believes current monitoring mechanisms are insufficient to address the unique challenges of night-shift policing. If implemented, the circular would bring a new level of scrutiny to the daily operations of police stations statewide.