Law & Order & Civil Defence in Uttar Pradesh | Course for UPPSC Preparation - UPPSC (UP) PDF Download

Introduction

• In the realm of politics, legal governance, and societal order—also known as a stringent stance on criminal activities or the War on Crime—there is a call for a rigorous criminal justice system, particularly concerning violent and property offenses. This involves advocating for stricter penalties, such as extended imprisonment terms, mandatory sentencing, the implementation of three-strikes laws, and, in certain jurisdictions, the application of capital punishment.
• Civil defense, or civil protection, is a concerted effort aimed at safeguarding the populace of a state, primarily non-combatants, from both military assaults and natural disasters. This involves the application of emergency operations principles, including prevention, mitigation, preparation, response, emergency evacuation, and recovery. Such programs were initially discussed as early as the 1920s and were implemented in select countries during the 1930s, gaining widespread adoption with the realization of the threat posed by nuclear weapons.
• The Uttar Pradesh Police, commonly abbreviated as UP Police, serves as the law enforcement agency for the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, with its headquarters located in Allahabad. The force is overseen by a Director General of Police (DGP), an IPS officer, with the current incumbent being Om Prakash Singh. Established in 1863 under the Police Act, 1861, as the Office of the Inspector General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, the UP Police holds the distinction of being the world's largest police force. Its governance falls under the Department of Home and Confidential of the Uttar Pradesh Government.
• At the helm of the state police is the Director General of Police, supported by numerous police officers. The state police headquarters is situated in Allahabad, and for the maintenance of law and order, Uttar Pradesh is divided into eight police zones. Each zone is headed by an Additional Director General of Police, an IPS officer, and comprises 2 to 3 police ranges. The state boasts a total of 18 police ranges, each overseen by an officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police or Deputy Inspector General of Police, covering around 2 to 4 districts. With 75 police districts in total, each district is led by a Superintendent of Police, an IPS officer, assisted by Additional Superintendents of Police (Addl. S.P.) and Deputy Superintendents of Police (Dy. S.P.) from the Provincial Police Service.
• The UP Police operates through various units and wings, including the Training Directorate, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Enquiry Cell, Anti Corruption Organization (ACO), Human Rights Cell (HRC), Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Intelligence Department (ID), Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Crime Cell, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and Technical Services.

Current Situation of Law and Order in Uttar Pradesh

• In response to the key pledges outlined in the BJP manifesto, the Uttar Pradesh home department has instructed all districts in the state to provide reports on the scale of migration resulting from communal tensions. Additionally, districts are tasked with compiling a list of all ongoing corruption investigations over the past 15 years. Uttar Pradesh has also opted to appoint chief vigilance officers in all government departments to combat corruption, a measure highlighted in recent meetings and previously issued in the previous administration.
• While organized crime led by criminal syndicates has diminished due to a comprehensive crackdown, Uttar Pradesh remains a focal point for such activities. Addressing this issue requires sustained efforts. Petty crime, on the other hand, has not shown significant improvement, as a considerable number of individuals in Uttar Pradesh continue to view engaging in minor criminal activities as their entitlement.