Perspective- Overcoming Policing Challenges | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the importance of enhancing police sensitivity and training in emerging technologies during the 57th All-India Conference of Director Generals & Inspector Generals of Police. Over the course of the three-day conference, the Prime Minister advocated for the repeal of outdated criminal laws and the establishment of uniform standards for police organizations across states. Additionally, he proposed reforms in jail management and discussed strategies to bolster border and coastal security through regular official visits. 
• Highlighting the significance of a National Data Governance Framework, the Prime Minister underscored its role in facilitating seamless data exchange among agencies. Held in a hybrid format, the conference delved into various topics including cybercrime, counterterrorism challenges, left-wing extremism, capacity building, and futuristic themes in policing and security.

Current Situation

• Despite technological advancements, the police force remains entrenched in a traditional British-era mindset, both in terms of loyalty and professional capabilities. Each state operates under its own set of laws governing the police, leading to inconsistencies. There exists a lack of synergy between political and police entities. Police expenditure is currently a mere 3% of the total budget. 
• Ensuring police accountability is a pressing issue, given their authority to enforce laws and maintain order. Various measures such as oversight by the political executive, internal accountability mechanisms, and independent oversight bodies have been adopted globally to prevent abuse of power.

Crime Investigation:

• The low police-to-population ratio in India places a heavy burden on individual officers, resulting in challenges in crime investigation and underreporting of crimes. While international standards recommend 222 police per lakh persons, India falls short with only 181 sanctioned positions per lakh persons. 
• However, with vacancies factored in, the actual ratio stands at 137 police per lakh persons. This shortage impacts the quality of investigations, contributing to a low conviction rate for crimes under the Indian Penal Code.

Poor Police Infrastructure:

• Police stations are inadequately equipped, lacking modern communication systems, state-of-the-art weaponry, and mobility. 
• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has identified deficiencies in these areas, hindering effective policing. There is a need for innovation in weaponry and investment in modern infrastructure.

Police-Public Relations:

• Effective policing relies on strong relationships with the community. Building trust and cooperation with the public is essential for crime prevention and maintaining order.

Urgency in Implementing Police Reforms:

• The rapid evolution of technology and social media has transformed the nature and scale of crime, necessitating urgent reforms in the criminal justice system and grassroots policing. 
• Traditional approaches to police reform may no longer suffice in addressing the complex challenges of modern policing. A collaborative and innovative approach is needed to tackle these multifaceted issues effectively.

Way Forward

• Police forces need to adopt a smart approach, acting efficiently and effectively.
• External interference poses a significant challenge, highlighting the necessity for granting autonomy to the police.
• It is imperative to liberate the police force from executive control and provide them with functional autonomy to uphold the rule of law.
• Implementing the Supreme Court's directives in the Prakash Singh case emphasizes the need for a service-oriented police force that operates efficiently, scientifically, and with respect for human dignity.
• The vision for policing should align with being SMART: strict yet sensitive, modern and mobile, alert and accountable, reliable and responsible, tech-savvy, and well-trained.
• Ensuring that the police receive the support and resources necessary to fulfill their mandated duties is crucial.
• Proper training for constables is essential to instill confidence and discipline within the force.
• Embracing evidence-based policing is essential as it gains increasing recognition globally.
• The Second Administrative Reforms Commission has proposed designating certain crimes as "federal" and assigning their investigation to a central agency.
• Police should have operational freedom to carry out their duties professionally, supported by satisfactory working conditions, while being held accountable for any misconduct or misuse of power.
• What is needed today is a People's Police, one that is responsive to the needs and concerns of the community.
• Our nation's strength and influence globally are rooted in the measures we undertake domestically. It is imperative for policymakers to acknowledge this fundamental truth.