Introduction Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise among vulnerable occupations like: Law enforcement. These NCDs share common behavioural risk factors, namely, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity etc.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among policemen for 2 months (August–September 2016). A total 5 camps were conducted to cover 280 study participants from all 23 stations/posts. The standard WHO-STEP wise approach for NCD surveillance was incorporated as data collection strategy. Data collection included: An interview, physical and biochemical measurements and health promotion session. Multivariate logistic regression analysis done to test significant risk association.

Result Participants had mean age of 39.09 years, most 266 (95.0%) were men and more than half 162 (57.8%) were college educated. Risk assessment revealed high burden of: Tobacco 83 (29.6%) and Alcohol 94 (33.6%) intake, inadequate fruit-vegetable intake 243 (86.8%) and high salt intake 29 (10.4%), inadequately physically activity 212 (75.8%) and obesity 116 (44.3%) and past history of disease i.e. CVDs 21 (7.5%), Hypertension 82 (14.64%), Hypercholesterolemia 16 (21.62%) and Diabetes 29 (10.59%). The mean BP reading was 115.8±11.5 mmHg (Systolic) and 80.4±4.9 mmHg (Diastolic).Screening suggested82 (29.28%) and 213 (76.1%) had Hypertension and Pre-Hypertension respectively. Hypertension was significantly associated with tobacco(OR: 3.7, p=0.045) and alcohol (5.2,0.023), obesity/overweight (5.2,0.022), lower education(3.9,0.041)and diabetes(5.9,0.014).

Discussion Present study reflects a heavy burden of Hypertension and risk factors among the law enforcement personnel coupled with poor awareness and lifestyle and treatment seeking behaviour. Study participants had poor knowledge and health behaviour in respect to NCDs and risk factors. Poor awareness and practices hamper primary and secondary prevention strategies for averting NCDs.