Favouring a pro-active approach to policing, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has said the tasks of police force have become more difficult and challenging in the wake of new security threats across the world.

"Our economy is on the move and a growing one will always experience crime of varied nature. With the advent of latest technologies, the crime scenario is becoming more and more complex and techno-savvy," he said addressing the passing-out parade of the 59th batch of IPS probationers at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

A total of 88 IPS probationers, including 18 women, the highest in any batch so far, passed out. Four officers from Maldives and the Royal Bhutan Police Service also passed out.

Patil asked the young probationers to strive to remove the impression that police force in the country was more reactive than pro-active.

Suggesting to strengthen specialisation in different aspects of policing such as intelligence and investigation, he said, "Only a professional body of well-trained and motivated officers can deal with difficult and complicated problems of today."

He said police officers should be encouraged to specialise in any stream of policing, depending on their aptitude and inclination.