The Ministry of Interior has taken organizational decisions to control the use of cell phones, social media and firearms by its forces.

This came following reports in social media — the reports which have also been confirmed by the Ministry of Interior — that a large number of securitymen are busy with cell phones while on duty monitoring roads and/or organizing traffic.

In a circular issued by the Assistant Undersecretary for Operations at Interior Ministry Major-General Jamal Al-Sayegh, personnel on field duty or other security duties are not allowed to use mobile phones or do any other media activity that has nothing to do with the task assigned to them.

The circular also said ear phones worn around the necks do not go in line with duty.

The circular stressed the patrolmen should be active while monitoring the traffic and remain seated inside patrol cars.

The circular added, the law forbids patrolmen to park their vehicles on pavements during security checks. The circular said the forces are fully equipped with portable security equipment and armed with weapons allocated to them.

News Source: ArabTimesOnline