Mysuru: Here is some good news for Policemen who constantly complain that they do not get a chance to spend time with their families and loved ones due to professional commitments.

The City Police Commissioner has issued a directive to all Station Heads that any Constable, who approaches with a leave application, citing his or her child’s birthday as the reason, cannot be denied leave.

The order, probably first-of-its kind in the Police Department, was issued by city’s top cop Dr. A Subrahmanyeswara Rao, in his efforts to make the Department Constable-friendly and at the same time permit the Constabulary to spend some quality time with their families.

As per the order, PSI and below the rank officers attached to all Law and Order and Traffic Police Stations, City Crime Branch (CCB), City Special Branch (CSB), City Crime Records Bureau (CCRB), City Control Room, Mandakalli Airport Security and Fingerprint Unit can avail the benefit and spend quality time with family during their ward’s birthdays.

According to a circular issued by the Commissioner, no Station Head can cite staff crunch or tough law and order situation to deny the Constable’s precious family time. He said that the initiative is aimed at distressing the lower-rung Constables and officers.

Duty-bound Policemen undergo a lot of physical as well as psychological stress as they have to be alert to enforce law and to maintain order.

Apart from this, they have to play a major role in crime detection, traffic maintenance and ensure smooth VVIP movements, protect public property, take up day-and-night patrolling and execute various people-friendly programmes.

Subrahmanyeswara Rao said that by nature, a Policeman’s routine is stressful. “They miss out on important celebrations in the family and this adds to their stress. There are instances where Policemen who couldn’t attend important family functions turning up in low spirits for duty. Considering the issue seriously, I decided to allow Policemen to go on leave on their children’s birthday, which is very important for family bonding,” he said.

The Commissioner said that in case of a birthday function during special or emergency situations, the Policeman concerned must take permission from the higher officer or Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for making alternative arrangements.

The Commissioner has also plans to issue another directive by which a day’s leave will be granted to Constables on their wedding anniversaries. He said granting two days of leave (only for two children) in a year from their casual leave (CL) would not be difficult, no matter how essential the work is. Such special leave requests would be granted verifying the details from the service record of each Constable available at the Station.

Station Police Inspectors have already collected details of birthdays and marriage anniversaries of their staff, and have sent a comprehensive list to the Police Commissioner.