Perception about Police

Team Members : Kuldeep Kaushik, Sarvagya Kumar

The Indian police, critical for the healthy functioning of a democracy, has been long neglected. Criticism of the police force is commonplace. However, do we acknowledge just how vital a role the police play in our daily lives? While we celebrate festivals, they are out manning the streets. While we enjoy cricket matches, they are guarding the stadium.

Down the decades, attempts to introduce reform, much needed to protect the police from political interference and enhance efficiency, have been thwarted or ignored by state governments.

Here we highlights some of the critical issues faced by the police machinery today. We, as a nation, need to get rid of a ruler's police force and demand a people's police force, and this can only be possible with due reform proposed here.

Here are few surveys conducted by us regarding people's perception towards police.

We conducted study to figure out why people have such negative perception towards police. For this we interviewed some constables and police officers and figured out the following causes.

1. Political interference/ pressure: In India police machinery is not independent, there are political control in basic functioning of police like transfers, promotions etc.

2. Lack of resources: Police often don't have sufficient resources and funds to conduct their duty to the fullest, for example in Bihar, police stations gets 150-250 litres of diesel per month which hardly lasts for 20 days so they have to depend on people's goodwill(jugaad) to perform their duties.

3. Police Shortfall: There is acute shortage of police and is increasing every year.

4. Hierarchy of Bribe: There are fixed bribe collections like dance bars etc. which hierarchically gets distributed among top officials.

5. Improper duty assignment of police constables: A large number of constables are deployed on VIP protection duty and household chores. E.g. In Central Para-Military Force(CPMF) force audit, 1997 around 5500 men(equivalent to around 55 companies or 10 battalions) were missing.

6. Low income and few opportunities: The lowest starting salary of constables in India ranges from Rs 5,200 to Rs 10,300, according to 2012 data from the Bureau of Police Research and Development. However, this amount is not proportional to the hours they put in at work. Moreover, promotions are hard to come by and constables remain in the same position for a number of years, with little or no increase in pay.

7. Poor living and working conditions: Most constables have little access to safe, clean and affordable housing. There are no arrangements made for them to rest when they have to work for 24 hours or longer. Lack of proper rest and personal comfort contribute to irritation and stress levels.

8. Long working hours: Long, undefined hours are the norm for constables across police stations in India. They are on duty even during festivals to ensure there is no ruckus or breach of law and order. In the bargain, they rarely get any days off. Even today, in most police stations, there is no system of working in shifts. This undefined duty leads to mental tensions, frustrations and sometimes even suicides.

9.  Lack of proper training: Constables are usually the public’s first point of contact with the police, but they are not trained adequately in dealing with complaints sensitively. Besides this, inadequate emphasis is given to sharpening investigation skills, even though it is a vital aspect of their duties.

Looking into all the above causes we interviewed common people and police officials, here are reforms they recommended.

1. Limit political control/intervention: Ensure that the government does not exercise unwarranted influence or pressure on the police.

2. Appointment/Promotion based on merit: Presently the top officials are appointed by the ministers based on their personal preference. E.g. Ensure that the Director General of Police is appointed through a merit-based, transparent process, and secures a minimum tenure of 2 years.

3. Single Entry Level: In Indian Police presently there are four entry levels, which restricts promotions beyond certain level even after good work like a constable can't be promoted to an inspector. In British Police there is single entry level, i.e. constable which leads to equal opportunity and proper field experience.

4. More female: Currently there is acute shortage of females in police. As a result women are reluctant in going to police stations and registering their complains.

5. Limit duty hours: Like other government employees there should be limited working hours for police too, this can be achieved by shift duties.

6. Proper Training: Inadequate emphasis is given to sharpening investigation skills etc. even though it is a vital aspect of their duties.In developed countries there are different teams for forensic, investigation etc.

Case Studies:

1. Janamaithri Suraksha Project, Kerala

Perhaps, one of the more well-structured and successful implementations of community policing is in Kerala where in March 2008, the Kerala Police began the Janamaithri Suraksha Project in one police station. It was considered such a success that by 2013, the initiative was adopted by over 248 police stations in the state.

Dr B. Sandhya, IPS and nodal officer of Janamaithri, has overseen its implementation in the state. She says, “Experience shows that by seeking the active co-operation of the public in the performance of police duties, the process of law enforcement becomes far more effective.” This programme was also included in the Kerala Police Act to ensure that a change in government would not affect its functioning.

As a part of the programme, Janamaithri police stations are set up in particular residential areas. Specially appointed beat officers are assigned a certain area or beat for which they are responsible. A Janamaithri Suraksha Samithi made up of 20 members is formed and is representative of the entire community. Regular meetings are held between police personnel and local residents in each beat, as well at the police stations. A few locals and the police are extensively trained to work together in crime prevention and control.

Apart from preventing crimes in local communities, one of the greatest achievements of the programme has been the growing trust between the police and public. “We have been successful in making the community own the project”, says Dr Sandhya. “This concept has to come slowly into our country. It will solve internal security problems and create mutual trust between the police and the public.”

2.  Mohalla Committees: work of Suresh Khopade, who set up mohalla committees in the communally-sensitive Bhiwandi town of Maharashta that ensured collaboration of the people and the police in maintaining law and order. As a result, Bhiwandi was untouched by the communal riots that rocked Mumbai in 1992-93. This work was also carried forward by Khopade’s successor, Gulabrao Pol.

“The police is the public and the public is the police” - Robert Peel, (former Prime Minister, U.K.)