The British, after the 1857 revolt wanted to establish a police force that would suit the purpose of crushing dissent and any movement for self government. This Police Act continues to this day in most states of India despite far reaching changes in governance and India’s transition from being a colonised nation to a sovereign republic.

Police reforms have been long-awaited as law and order conditions are still governed by colonial laws like Police Act , 1861. It has hampered police administration’s efficiency in many states especially UP , which near tops in most of the crime lists.

Loopholes –

(a)Numeral Strength: lack of man power and staff as vacancies are not filled time to time.
(b) Recruitment process : written exams often dispensed for lower echelon and plagued by corruption and bureaucratic and political hindrance.
(c) Police station are centers of organised distortion and ill-treatment which distorts the morale of public for grievance redressal.
(d) Operational Autonomy : seldom they get and in much cases often have to look up the political machinery resulting in the tardiness and delay in response. Caste politics further leads to unfair treatment and affects quality of policing.
(e) ICT : lower coverage of CCTV surveillance cameras hinders their efficiency.
(f) Patrolling : often done in casual manner. Instead follow smart city grid approach with regular visit in critical areas.

(g) Security of Tenure of DG/IG – at the pleasure of the Chief Minister.

Closing loopholes –

[As recommended by ‘Soli Sorabjee committee’ or ‘Prakash Singh vs union of India case’ ]

Establishing State Security Commission as a watchdog with members from Government, Judiciary and Civil society.
A Police Establishment Board to deal with Transfers and Promotions.
Legislations to ensure state Govt. doesn’t exercise unwarranted influence or interfere in police duties.
Fixed tenure for DGP and Field Officers of 2 years which ensure effective functioning.
Need for separation of Investigation and law and order units.
Transparent recruitment policy, Increasing strength and increase Accountability.

CONCLUSION –

Any new formulation of policing in India today, must ensure that the police have functional autonomy combined with high performance and strong mechanisms of accountability. Insulating the police from illegitimate political control while retaining executive oversight has to be a singular objective.