Modernisation of Police

Syllabus: GS3/internal Security 

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 60th All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police in Chhattisgarh under the theme “Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions”.
• He focused on strengthening internal security and developing next-level policing frameworks to address new-age threats.

India’s Police Modernisation

• Police and law and order are State subjects under the Constitution, making State Governments primarily responsible for them. 
• However, due to financial constraints, many States have struggled to modernize their police forces. 
• To support them, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been supplementing resources through “Assistance to State & UTs for Modernization of Police” (ASUMP) [erstwhile scheme of Modernization of State Police Forces (MPF)].

Need for Modernisation

• India’s police system is still largely governed by colonial-era structures, often ill-equipped to deal with cybercrime, terrorism, organised crime, and urban policing challenges.
• Growing population, rapid urbanisation, and complex law-and-order situations demand efficient, technology-enabled policing.
• Public trust and perception of the police remain low, requiring reforms in training, accountability, and community engagement.

Emerging Issues

• Cybercrime and digital frauds are rising sharply, requiring specialised units and advanced forensic tools.
• Left Wing Extremism (LWE), coastal security, and drug trafficking remain pressing concerns.
• Shortage of manpower, outdated equipment, and inadequate training hinder effective policing.

Steps Taken by India

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) runs the Assistance to States for Modernisation of Police scheme, funding weapons, communication systems, forensic labs, and mobility solutions.
• The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) drives innovation, training, and technology adoption, acting as a bridge between police and scientific institutions.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasised monitoring banned outfits, strengthening coastal security, and holistic disaster management at the DGP/IGP conference.

Conclusion and Way Ahead

• Police modernization in India aims to transform the force into a professional, citizen-centric, and technologically empowered institution capable of addressing 21st-century challenges. 
• This involves integrating AI, predictive policing, drones, surveillance, and cyber forensics, alongside capacity building through regular training, modern equipment, and specialized units for cyber and financial crimes. 

Source: Air