Urgent need to change perception of police: PM

The Hindu: Published on 1 December 2025.

Why in News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 60th All India Conference of Director-Generals and Inspector-Generals of Police at IIM Raipur, focusing on national security challenges and calling for transformative police reforms under the theme “Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions.”

Background

This annual conference serves as a key platform where India’s top police leadership discusses emerging internal security issues—urban crime, cyber threats, left-wing extremism, drug trafficking, and disaster response. It also aligns policing strategies with India’s goal of becoming a developed, secure nation by 2047.

Key Highlights of the Conference

• Transforming public perception through professionalism, citizen sensitivity, and responsive policing; rebuilding trust among youth and marginalized groups.
• Continuous monitoring of banned organizations and promoting socio-economic development in LWE-cleared districts.
• Strengthened preparedness for cyclones, floods, industrial accidents, and emergencies; adopting a whole-of-government approach to curb drug abuse.
• Improving urban policing by strengthening tourist police, spreading awareness of new laws (Bhāratīya Nyāy Sanhitā and Bhāratīya Nāgarik Suraksha Sanhitā), and enhancing women’s safety measures.
• Leveraging technology through increased use of AI, data analytics, predictive policing, NAT-GRID integration, and tech-enabled coastal and border surveillance.

Challenges Faced by the Police

• Understaffing: India’s police-to-population ratio below UN norms.
• Training Gaps: Insufficient capacity in cyber forensics, digital crime, gender issues.
• Outdated Infrastructure: Shortage of labs, modern equipment, and surveillance tools.
• Role Overload: Excess judicial and administrative duties.
• Complex Crime Patterns: Cyber fraud, organised crime, radicalisation evolving rapidly.
• Public Distrust: Corruption, custodial abuses, and lack of transparency affect credibility.
• Weak Forensic Support: Low staffing and outdated forensic systems delay justice.

Way Forward

• Comprehensive Legal Reforms: There is a strong need to replace colonial-era policing structures with a modern and progressive Model Police Act. The reforms should promote greater accountability, operational autonomy, and citizen-centric policing so that the force becomes more transparent, efficient, and service-oriented.
• Training & Human Resource Development: Police personnel require continuous, updated training in cybercrime investigation, ethical conduct, and gender sensitization. Special attention must be given to the constabulary, which forms nearly 85% of the force, ensuring they receive modern skills and professional grooming.
• Modernisation & Infrastructure Upgrades: The Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) Scheme must be expanded to upgrade forensic laboratories, cyber cells, and surveillance networks. Enhancing weaponry, communication devices, mobility units, and developing smart police stations will significantly improve operational capability.
• Technology-Driven Policing: Policing needs to integrate advanced technologies such as AI-based tools, biometric systems, automatic number-plate recognition, and night-vision CCTV setups. GPS-enabled patrol vehicles and body-worn cameras can boost transparency, accountability, and real-time monitoring.
• Depoliticization & Structural Autonomy: Implementing Supreme Court directives—like establishing State Security Commissions, Police Establishment Boards, and ensuring fixed tenures for key officers—is essential to reduce political interference. This structural autonomy enhances professionalism and fairness in investigations and postings.