Key Challenges in India Policing System

1. Shortage of Personnel and Heavy Workload

India faces a major shortage of police personnel, significantly affecting law enforcement efficiency. According to the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), the country has only around 156 police officers per 100,000 people, far below the United Nations’ recommended standard of 222 per 100,000. Several states, including Bihar and West Bengal, report vacancy rates exceeding 40%, leading to overburdened officers who work long hours, often exceeding 14–16 hours a day. This affects their performance, decision-making, and overall well-being.

2. Political Interference and Lack of Autonomy

Political influence in police functioning severely impacts its professionalism. A study by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative found that a significant percentage of police officers in India experience political pressure in their investigations, particularly in sensitive cases involving influential individuals. The frequent arbitrary transfer of officers for political reasons disrupts policing efficiency and discourages independent decision-making.

3. Outdated Training and Lack of Specialization

Many police officers lack adequate training in modern investigative techniques, forensic science, and cybercrime detection. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted in a 2022 report that most states have inadequate training facilities, with limited access to forensic tools and advanced crime-solving methods. This leads to delays in investigations, wrongful arrests, and difficulty in tackling emerging threats such as digital fraud and terrorism.

4. Use of Excessive Force and Public Distrust

Incidents of police using excessive force, especially during protests and custodial interrogations, have raised human rights concerns. Reports indicate that over 650 custodial deaths occurred in India between 2017 and 2022. Additionally, heavy-handed measures during protests, such as the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation, have deepened public mistrust, particularly among marginalized communities.

5. Gender Imbalance in Policing

Despite increasing crimes against women, female representation in India’s police force remains low. Women make up only around 11.75% of the total police workforce, far below the government’s goal of 33%. The lack of female officers discourages many women from reporting gender-based violence and results in poor handling of such cases.

Suggested Reforms for Effective Policing

1. Enhancing Workforce Strength and Working Conditions

Addressing the personnel shortage through accelerated recruitment and improved working conditions is crucial. Implementing a two-year minimum tenure for officers, as recommended in the Prakash Singh Case, can reduce political interference and increase efficiency.

2. Ensuring Autonomy and Reducing Political Influence

The establishment of independent State Security Commissions (SSC), as suggested by the National Police Commission, can insulate police forces from undue political interference. Empowering the Police Establishment Board (PEB) to handle transfers and promotions independently will further strengthen police autonomy.

3. Modernizing Infrastructure and Training

The adoption of AI-driven policing, big data analytics, and cybercrime tracking systems is essential for tackling modern security challenges. Expanding the Modernization of Police Forces (MPF) scheme to include forensic labs, body cameras, and GPS-enabled patrol vehicles can significantly enhance law enforcement capabilities.

4. Promoting Community Policing and Public Trust

Strengthening community engagement through models like Kerala’s Janamaithri Suraksha Project and Maharashtra’s Mohalla Committees can bridge the trust gap between police and citizens. Recruiting social workers and psychologists in police stations can further help in handling sensitive cases involving domestic violence and juvenile crimes.

5. Increasing Female Representation in Police Forces

Raising women’s participation in policing to at least 33%, as recommended by various committees, will foster gender-sensitive law enforcement. Setting up all-women police stations and making the presence of female officers mandatory in every station will encourage crime reporting by women and improve victim support services.

6. Strengthening Judicial-Police Coordination

Faster case resolution requires seamless integration of police and judicial systems. Digitization of FIRs, implementation of e-courts, and prioritization of undertrial cases can reduce legal delays. Appointing police-judiciary liaison officers in each district can also enhance case tracking and evidence management.

Conclusion

India’s police reforms must focus on improving manpower, ensuring autonomy, leveraging technology, and enhancing public trust. A well-trained, well-equipped, and independent police force is fundamental to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice. By implementing these changes, India can move towards a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centric policing system, better suited for contemporary challenges.