A CASE DIARY FOR THE INDIAN POLICE

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THE CONTEXT: Recently, a three-day conference held in Jaipur of police officers from across India was a learning experience, and many subjects of contemporary relevance in the area of Information Technology formed the core of the agenda. However, many relevant issues were not addressed that indicate need for police reform in the country.

MAJOR THEMES DISCUSSED IN THE JAIPUR CONFERENCE:

• The three day Conference was held in hybrid mode with DGsP/IGsP and Chiefs of Central Police Organisations attending physically from Jaipur and over 500 Police officers of various ranks participating through video conferencing from across the country.
• Modernizing Law Enforcement: The conference stressed the need for comprehensive training programs from Station House Officer (SHO) to Director General of Police (DGP) level.
• Harnessing Technology for Security: It underscored the significance of technology upgradation, extending from local police stations (Thana) to Police Headquarters (PHQ), to ensure the successful implementation of the new laws. It also stressed the need for linking of databases and adopting AI driven analytical approach for tackling the emerging security challenges.
• Security Gains Since 2014: An overall improvement in the security scenario in the country since 2014 especially the reduction of violence in the three critical hotspots, i.e, Jammu & Kashmir, North-East and Left Wing Extremism has been highlighted.
• Uniformity for Counter-Terror Mechanisms: This Conference over the years has emerged as a ‘Think Tank’, facilitating decision making and formulation of new security strategies.  There is a need for emphasis on uniformity of structures, size and skill of counter terror mechanisms across the country.
• Internal Security and National Development: The Conference need to deliberate on a range of security related issues of critical importance including security of borders, cyber-threats, radicalization, fraudulent issuance of identity documents and threats emerging from AI.

ISSUES:

• Public Perception: There is an undeniable fact that the police have still to earn the trust and confidence of a majority of the population. Their image in the public eye continues to be frightful and there has been no upgradation in the reputation of our police forces.
• Federal Complexity: Another complexity related to police force is the growing discord between the Centre and a few Opposition-led States. States look down upon the centrally recruited IPS officers on whom they have no control. States prefer to have their own recruits vis-à-vis those with divided loyalties.
• Politicisation of police force: There is constant issue of politicisation of police force which is affecting the democratic system of government. The issue of how to insulate our police officers from political whims dominates all debates on the police.
• Internal divide: Though, the newly recruited police force is more educated and technology-savvy but the issues remain as there is little chance for them to display their talent. There is internal division among the police forces as high rank officers like IPS takes all the glory depriving the lower ranks of any chance to prove themselves.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Modernisation of police forces: Police lack modern technological capabilities necessary to perform quality investigations. Police forces need to adopt modern methods like forensics, data analysis etc. to ensure timely justice.
• Community engagement: Community engagement significantly enhances police reform efforts by fostering trust and understanding. Actively involving communities provides valuable knowledge about their specific needs and priorities.
• Need For Political Will: There is a need for political will to bring out police reforms. The Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh case (2006) gave seven directives where considerable work in police reforms is still needed. However, due to the lack of political will these directives were not implemented in letter and spirit in many states.
• Narrowing gap: There is a need to narrow down the gap between police officers of lower and higher rank to support and get the best out of each other. A major restructuring that narrows the gap between the higher ranks and the lower ranks could help in any exercise to drastically improve the quality of policing.
• Accountability: Ensuring Accountability acts as a crucial check against abuse of power. An accountable police force instils confidence in the public which is fundamental element of a competent force. Citizen reacts in a calm and law-abiding manner when they feel comfortable and think that their police uphold high standards of behaviour.

THE CONCLUSION:

The Indian police force is currently struggling with various challenges, including political interference, inadequate training and resources and lack of accountability. There is a need for fair and effective police system with accountability for upholding the rule of law and police forces must undergo modernisation and professionalisation to adapt to the evolving needs of society.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 Analyse internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also, discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (2020)

Q.2 Cross-Border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 Analyse the multidimensional challenges faced by the police forces and suggest measures for police reforms for ensuring internal security in India.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-case-diary-for-the-indian-police/article67735128.ece