The Police We Need

Context: India requires a police force that is responsive and respected and not one that is feared, as is the case today.

Issues with the Police force

• Declining levels of integrity among officers: Some examples include
• A case of alleged extortion was registered against a former Mumbai Police Commissioner. 
• A senior IPS officer in Tamil Nadu was recently served a charge sheet in court in connection with a case pertaining to the sexual harassment of a woman officer.
• Insensitivity in the handling of cases of crime against women: There is under-reporting of cases, and the police often refuse to register complaints made.
• Corruption and political nexus: Many officers are given plum posts based on their links and loyalty to the ruling party.

Some positive changes

• Most present-day officers are technology savvy: This augurs well for the future of law enforcement in India.
• Evolving accountability mechanisms: Recently, Supreme Court laid down the process for selection of the Director General of Police. 
  • The State government now has to make the appointment from a panel of three names approved by the Union Public Service Commission.
• Rising women involvement: 
  • Ranjeeta Sharma, an Indian Police Service (IPS) probationer from Haryana, bagged the honour recently of commanding the passing­ out parade at the National Police Academy (NPA). She won two awards: the Best All­ round IPS Probationer and the Sword of Honour for the Best Outdoor Probationer. 
  • Interestingly, the honour of being the Best Probationer went to a woman officer, Kiran Shruthi, last year too.

Conclusion: Citizens desire a friendly police force that treats the rich and poor alike. India needs a police force that is responsive and respected and not one that is feared, as is the case now.