CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin presided over the first Tamil Nadu Police Day celebrations held at Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore on Wednesday. He administered the pledge and later distributed prizes to children of police personnel who won in competitions conducted by the Greater Chennai Police as part of Police Day celebrations.

Tamil Nadu observed its first police day on Saturday (September 6) as per the announcement made by the chief minister, marking the enactment of the Madras District Police Act, Act 24 of 1859, which came into force on September 6, 1859, and laid the foundation for the modern system of policing.

Various community outreach programmes were held across the state. Programmes, including paying homage to police martyrs, pledge administration and cultural events with participation of the police community and families, were also held.

Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A Arun thanked the CM for marking September 6 as Police Day, recognising the contribution of the police force to the safety and security of the state and vowed to work towards CM Stalin's dream of a "crime-free Tamil Nadu".

Addressing the police personnel, Tamil Nadu DGP G Venkataraman recalled how the Chief Minister enquired about the Police Day celebrations in the state in the midst of his Europe trip and then kept his word on joining the programme once he returned to Tamil Nadu.

Noting that there are days commemorating several professions like doctors, nurses and others, he said, "Police Day is a recognition for the rank and file and encourages them to be more dedicated."