Deputy Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen has called on new graduates to embrace the police uniform not just as a job title, but as a lifelong commitment to service, character, and national duty.
 

Addressing graduates at the passing out parade of the 39th Police Initial Training Course, DCP Naveen reminded the officers that their journey doesn’t end with training, but it begins there.
 

“Think of this not just as a box checked on your way to a permanent post,” he said. “This is about who you’re becoming, as officers, as citizens, and as people others will rely on when it matters most.”
 

He emphasised the importance of integrity, responsibility, and resilience, urging officers to maintain both mental and physical strength as they take on one of the country's most demanding roles.
 

DCP Naveen noted that police officers must actively seek growth, set professional goals, and pursue knowledge and experience with the same energy they bring to the training ground.
 

“Policing is competitive, yes, but it’s also full of opportunity,” he said. “And if you’ve got the courage and capability, you’ll find your way. You’ve got to be ready to work anywhere, wherever duty calls.”
 

He also spoke candidly about the broader role police play in shaping public perception. Officers, he said, should take the initiative to address public concerns, stay approachable, and show genuine care in their interactions. “We need more than just discipline, we need heart.”
 

And perhaps most importantly, he reminded officers that everything they do reflects not only on themselves, but also on their families, the police service, and the nation itself. “Don’t ever take that lightly,” he said. “Be proud. Stay grounded. And above all, don’t do anything that stains the trust we’ve worked so hard to build.”
 

He closed with a final reflection: “This isn’t just a job. It’s a calling. A national service. A way of life.”