59th All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

Context

• Recently, the Prime Minister of India attended the ‘59th All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police’, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha to discuss and deliberate on national security issues and policing strategies.

Key Highlights of the Conference 

• National Security Discussions: The conference included in-depth discussions on various national security issues, including counter-terrorism, left-wing extremism, coastal security, economic security, immigration, and narco-trafficking.
  • These aimed to develop effective counter-strategies and enhance the overall security framework of the country.
• SMART Policing Initiative: The Prime Minister has expanded on the concept of SMART policing, urging the police force to become more Strategic, Meticulous, Adaptable, Reliable, and Transparent.
  • He emphasized the need for modernization and realignment with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
• Technological Integration: The conference highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to tackle challenges such as digital fraud, cyber-crimes, and the potential threats posed by AI, including deep fakes.
  • It called for the police to harness India’s dual strengths in Artificial Intelligence and ‘Aspirational India’ to turn these challenges into opportunities.
• Urban Policing Initiatives: The Prime Minister appreciated the initiatives taken in urban policing and suggested that these be implemented comprehensively in 100 cities across the country.
  • He stressed the importance of using technology to reduce the workload of constables and making police stations the focal point for resource allocation.
• Police Hackathons: PM Modi proposed the idea of organizing National Police Hackathons to solve key problems through innovative solutions.

Needs For Police Reform in India

• In India, police and public order are designated as State Subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
  • It means that it is primarily the responsibility of state governments to maintain law and order, prevent and investigate crimes, and prosecute offenders.
• The need for a more efficient, transparent, and accountable police force has been recognised by various stakeholders, including the government, judiciary, and civil society.

Key Concerns/Challenges With the Current Policing in India

• Inadequate Infrastructure and Resources: Many police stations across the country are under-equipped, lacking basic facilities and modern technology.
  • It hampers the efficiency and effectiveness of police operations.
• Training and Modernization: With the rise of cybercrime, terrorism, and other sophisticated criminal activities, the police need to be equipped with modern tools and training to tackle these challenges.
  • However, the current training programs are often outdated and insufficient.
• Technological Challenges: While technology can aid in crime detection and prevention, the police force often lacks the necessary skills and resources to effectively utilize these technologies.
  • Cybersecurity threats, in particular, require specialized knowledge and tools.
• Legal and Judicial Constraints: Outdated laws and lengthy judicial processes can impede swift and effective law enforcement.
  • Reforms in the legal system are necessary to support the police in their duties.
• Understaffing and Overburdening: According to recent reports, the police-to-population ratio in India is far below the United Nations recommended standard.
  • It leads to overburdening of the existing personnel, affecting their performance and morale.
• Political Interference: It undermines the autonomy of the police force and often leads to biased and ineffective law enforcement.
  • It can also result in the misuse of police for political gains.
• Corruption: It erodes public trust and confidence in the police, making it difficult for them to perform their duties effectively.
  • Efforts to combat corruption within the force have been ongoing, but significant challenges remain.
• Human Rights Violations: Instances of human rights violations by the police have been reported, which tarnish the image of the police force and lead to public outcry.
  • Ensuring accountability and adherence to human rights standards is essential for improving the relationship between the police and the community.

Key Policy Recommendations

• National Police Commission Recommendations (1978-82): These have made significant recommendations for police reforms which include measures to depoliticize the police force, improve accountability, and enhance the working conditions of police personnel.
• Padmanabhaiah Committee (2000): It focused on restructuring the police force. It recommended modernizing police infrastructure, improving training programs, and enhancing the recruitment process.
• Malimath Committee (2002-03): This committee on criminal justice system reforms suggested measures to improve the efficiency of the police and the judiciary.
  • It emphasized the need for better investigation techniques and coordination between different law enforcement agencies.
• Ribeiro Committee (1998): Formed on the directions of the Supreme Court, it reviewed the implementation of previous recommendations and suggested ways to expedite police reforms.
• Mooshahary Committee: It reviewed the recommendations of the National Police Commission and other committees, focusing on their implementation and suggesting further improvements.

Supreme Court of India on Prakash Singh Case (2006)

• State Security Commissions (SSC): Establish SSCs to lay down broad policy guidelines and evaluate the performance of the state police.
• Fixed Tenure and Merit-Based Selection: Ensure a minimum tenure of two years for the DGP and other key police officers, with a transparent and merit-based selection process.
• Separation of Functions: Separate the investigation and law and order functions of the police to improve efficiency and accountability.
• Police Establishment Boards: Set up boards to decide on transfers, postings, promotions, and other service-related matters of police officers.
• Police Complaints Authority: Create authorities at the district and state levels to inquire into public complaints against police officers.
• National Security Commission: Form a commission at the union level to prepare panels for the selection and placement of Chiefs of Central Police Organisations (CPOs) with a minimum tenure of two years.

Other Related Steps

• Criminal Justice System Reforms: It involves updating outdated laws, improving investigation techniques, and ensuring better coordination between different agencies.
• Community Policing: Initiatives to promote community policing are being encouraged to build trust between the police and the public.
  • It focuses on involving the community in maintaining law and order and addressing local issues collaboratively.
• Training and Capacity Building: Continuous training and capacity-building programs are being implemented to ensure that police personnel are well-equipped to handle modern-day challenges.
  • It includes specialized training in cybercrime, human trafficking, and other emerging threats.

Conclusion

• The 59th All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police provided a valuable opportunity for senior police officials to share their perspectives and suggestions on critical policing and internal security matters. 
• PM’s participation and his emphasis on SMART policing, technological integration, and innovative solutions underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities and professionalism of the Indian police force.

Source: PIB