The Urgent Need for Police Reforms in India

India's police force, which forms the cornerstone of law and order, stands at the precipice of crisis. Rapid reforms are imperative to ensure the safety of citizens, given the burdensome nature of our policing system and its inadequate resources. Statistics and systemic issues paint a grim picture, demanding immediate attention and action from policymakers.

One of the primary challenges is the severe shortage in the police-to-population ratio in India. As of January 2022, there are only 152.80 police officers per lakh individuals in India, significantly below the approved 196.23 and the recommended UN standard of 222. This shortage has led to overburdened police forces, rendering them incapable of effectively delivering services and ensuring security.

Approximately 86% of state police forces comprise constables who face significant challenges. Limited opportunities for promotion, often occurring just once in their careers, coupled with harsh working conditions such as inadequate housing facilities, demoralize these officers. This lack of motivation diminishes their performance and, consequently, the overall effectiveness of police forces.

The structure of the Indian Police Service (IPS) further complicates this issue. The centrally managed system often clashes with state governments, who view IPS officers as outsiders. This tension leads to controversies over promotions and appointments, hindering the smooth functioning of the police.

Despite policing being a state subject, there is a declining trust in state police forces among the public. People are prioritizing investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over state inquiries, reflecting a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of state police. This prioritization exacerbates the center-state friction, leading to more tensions and complexities in governance.

The lack of diversity in police forces is a significant concern. According to the 2022 Policing Status Report in India, there is a serious underrepresentation based on caste, class, religion, and gender, with women comprising only 11.7%. This lack of diversity limits the police's ability to effectively serve a diverse population.

Political interference is another major concern. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) noted in 2007 that political interference often hampers professional decision-making, resulting in biased and ineffective policing. This politicization is evident in controversies surrounding the appointment of Directors General of Police (DGP).

As crime evolves, with the rise of organized crime, economic fraud, and cybercrimes, there is a growing demand for technically adept police forces. However, inadequate training in forensic law, cybercrime, and evidence acceptance hampers effective crime investigation, as highlighted by the 22nd Law Commission. This shortfall leads to a diluted rate of punishment for crimes under the Indian Penal Code, which is less than 50%.

Lastly, the alarming number of deaths in custody—such as the 144 reported between 2017 and 2018, as highlighted by the Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR)—points towards the continuous use of torture in investigations, further weakening public trust.

The Prakash Singh case of 2006 aimed to address these systemic issues.

The Supreme Court's directives, including the establishment of state security commissions, mandated fixed tenures for DGPs, and separation of police investigation and law enforcement functions, sought to liberate the police from political interference. Despite these directives, implementation remains inconsistent and irregular across states, underscoring the urgent need for renewed attention and commitment to police reforms.

Solutions and Reforms

Addressing the multifaceted issues affecting our police system requires a comprehensive and multidimensional approach. Improving the fundamental unit of the police system, the 'thana' (police station), should be a top priority. Enhancing the working conditions of constables at the thana level, who have close interaction with the public, is crucial for boosting their morale and efficiency.

Increasing the police budget and upgrading the basic infrastructure of the police force are imperative. Currently, over 90% of the police budget in states is utilized for salaries and establishment costs. There is a need to allocate more funds for training, procurement, and technological modernization to ensure that states fully utilize resources for police modernization.

Reforming the criminal justice system is another crucial step. Effective implementation of the Malimath Committee's recommendations will help streamline and improve the justice distribution system, making it more efficient and accountable.

Continuous training and capacity building of police personnel are essential. Given the evolving nature of crimes, such as cybercrimes, regular training is necessary for police to stay ahead of criminals. For instance, the Cyber Cell of the Delhi Police has shown effectiveness in dealing with cybercriminals.

Upgrading technology and research in policing is necessary. Transforming the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) into a more inclusive institution can lead to better research in crime science. Tools like the Automated Facial Recognition System (AFRS) can assist in more skillfully identifying criminals.

Community policing initiatives, such as Kerala's 'Janamaithri Suraksha Project' and Assam's 'Maitree Pahi,' can improve public perception and encourage better police-community relations at the grassroots level. During my tenure in Sonbhadra between 2008 and 2013, Senior Police Officer Shri Ram Kumar (IPS) followed by Dr. Pritender Singh (IPS) showcased a unique example of community policing in the Naxal-affected areas of Uttar Pradesh, which I personally witnessed. Learning from international best practices, such as Japan's separate Police Commission (for recruitment) and New York's Special Police Model, can be utilized for reforming our police forces.

Increasing representation of women in police forces is extremely important. Implementing 33% reservation for women in states like Bihar can lead to more gender-sensitive and effective police forces.

The objective of all reforms should be to develop a smart police force - sensitive, mobile, vigilant, reliable, and technologically adept. India's police force stands at a crossroads. Without addressing these multifaceted issues, superficial reforms will only widen the gap between the police and the public.

It is imperative that policymakers swiftly work towards modernizing the police, ensuring accountability, and restoring public trust. Only through such concerted efforts can we build a capable, trustworthy, and truly service-oriented police force.