Policing in India is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by shifting socio-political landscapes, rapid technological advancements, and evolving security threats. As a retired Director General of Police of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, I have witnessed the rise of these challenges firsthand, and I believe it is crucial to recognize both the opportunities and hurdles that today’s law enforcement must redress.
India’s law enforcement agencies, deeply rooted in colonial legacies, are tasked with managing a rapidly changing society. While traditional policing was about crime prevention and maintaining public order, today, the demands have escalated into an intricate mix of dealing with terrorism, cybercrime, communal violence, and maintaining civil liberties, all while under the scrutiny of a digitally connected society.
Police reforms have long been a pressing demand, and while some changes have been introduced over the years, many areas remain untouched. In addition, many of India’s criminal laws, dating back to the colonial era, have become outdated, making legal reform a necessity. As part of this effort, the current government at the Centre has introduced three new criminal law bills aimed at modernizing the system. However, legal experts are divided in their opinions—some argue that these amendments fall short of being genuinely reformative, while others believe that the changes could enhance deterrence and streamline the judicial process, leading to quicker case resolution.
The Shift in Crime Patterns: From Street Crime to Cybercrime: The nature of crime in India has evolved significantly over the years. The shift from conventional street crime to complex cybercrime presents a formidable challenge. India, being one of the largest digital markets in the world, has also become a target for sophisticated cyberattacks. The frequency of data breaches, phishing scams, financial fraud, and identity theft has skyrocketed. The traditional skill sets of the police, often focused on physical policing, are being outpaced by the necessity to tackle these technologically complex crimes.
Unfortunately, our police forces are often ill-equipped and under-trained to deal with such crimes. While some states like Maharashtra and Telangana have set up dedicated cybercrime cells, much of India lacks the infrastructure and expertise to cope with this growing menace. Policymakers and police leadership must make serious investments in training and equipping police personnel to handle cybercrime, or we risk falling behind in the battle to secure our cyberspace.
Technology as Both a Boon and a Challenge: Technology, while a double-edged sword, is one of the most potent tools for modern law enforcement. The integration of surveillance technologies such as CCTV networks, drones, and facial recognition systems has significantly enhanced crime detection and prevention capabilities. The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) has been a positive step towards digitizing police records and making them accessible across the country.
However, this increased reliance on technology raises ethical concerns. The use of facial recognition technology, for instance, brings privacy concerns into sharp focus. The line between surveillance for public safety and infringement on civil liberties is a thin one, and without proper legal safeguards, these technological advancements can easily be misused.
Moreover, in rural and semi-urban areas, where internet penetration and digital literacy are low, there remains a disconnect between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Policemen in these areas may not have access to the same technological resources, leading to a digital divide in policing itself.
Terrorism and Radicalization: New Age Threats: Another daunting challenge for Indian police forces is the rise of terrorism and radicalization, often fueled by online platforms. Extremist groups have become adept at using social media to recruit, radicalize, and plan attacks. The communal riots in Delhi (2020) and instances of home-grown terrorism highlight how radical ideologies are penetrating Indian society at alarming rates.
Law enforcement agencies need to adopt more intelligence-driven, preventive measures to combat these threats. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other counter-terrorism units have made significant strides, but police forces at the state level must also be brought up to speed with intelligence sharing and community policing. Radicalization is not just a law and order issue; it requires a multi-pronged approach involving education, deradicalization programs, and building trust between communities and police.
Policing in a Politically Charged Environment: One of the most intricate challenges in modern Indian policing is navigating the highly charged political environment. In many states, police officers face undue pressure from political masters to either ignore crimes committed by ruling party loyalists or to be excessively harsh on opposition groups. This politicization of the police force corrodes the very essence of impartial law enforcement.
A reform agenda must be at the forefront to insulate police officers from political interference. The Supreme Court’s directive in the Prakash Singh case in 2006 laid out guidelines for police reforms, which if implemented, would ensure greater autonomy for the police. Unfortunately, most states have been slow in implementing these reforms, and the situation continues to deteriorate.
Public Trust and Police Accountability: Public trust in law enforcement is at an all-time low. Recent incidents of police brutality and extrajudicial killings have led to massive protests and raised questions about accountability. In a democracy, the police force must be seen as protectors, not perpetrators of violence. Incidents like the custodial death of Jayaraj and Bennix in Tamil Nadu (2020) have brought to the fore the urgent need for greater accountability.
The introduction of body-worn cameras, better training in human rights, and stronger oversight mechanisms, including independent police complaints authorities, could go a long way in restoring public faith in law enforcement. Transparency in policing practices, along with community engagement, should be emphasized to build bridges between the police and the public.
The Strain of Overburdened Police Forces: Finally, no analysis of modern policing in India would be complete without addressing the issue of overburdened police forces. The ratio of police personnel to civilians in India remains abysmally low. According to the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), India has one of the lowest police-to-population ratios globally, with only 156 police personnel per lakh population, far below the United Nations recommended ratio of 222.
This acute shortage of manpower not only strains existing resources but also leads to poor working conditions, increased stress, and inefficiency among police personnel. Recruiting more officers and ensuring better working conditions, including mental health support, are crucial to enhancing the overall performance of the police force.
A Roadmap for the Future: Policing in India is at a crossroads. As the country grows, so too do the challenges faced by its law enforcement agencies. Addressing cybercrime, combating terrorism, and restoring public trust are no small feats, but with the right leadership, training, and resources, India’s police forces can rise to meet these challenges.
The need for systemic reforms, including depoliticization of the police, investments in technology, and better accountability mechanisms, is pressing. As someone who has spent a lifetime in the police service, I firmly believe that a reformed, modernized, and accountable police force is key to ensuring the safety and security of India’s future generations. (The author is a high-profile retired IPS officer and served as the DGP of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh)
