Patna: The Bihar Police Headquarters today issued a clarification regarding a recent letter from DGP Vinay Kumar concerning press conferences, stating unequivocally that there is no ban on press briefings by Superintendents of Police (SPs) or police officers authorized by them in the districts.
The clarification addresses what the headquarters described as incorrect interpretations circulating in some media channels and on social media regarding the July 22 letter. According to the Police Headquarters, the original order merely stipulated that the authorized police spokesperson for the Bihar Police Headquarters would present and read out press notes on important topics to the media, following approval from the DGP Bihar.
The Police Headquarters reiterated that information related to a particular division will continue to be presented to the press by the respective divisional head, after obtaining the DGP’s approval. Crucially, in the districts, the SSP, SP, or a police officer authorized by them will continue to provide information to the press, as has been the practice.
The primary intent of the aforementioned order, as clarified by the headquarters, is to ensure that unauthorized police officers do not provide statements or “bytes” to the media. This measure aims to streamline information dissemination and ensure accuracy by centralizing official communication through designated spokespersons, without restricting the flow of authorized information from district police chiefs.
