07 Dec Strengthening National Security: Key Takeaways from the 59th All India Conference of Directors Generals/Inspector Generals of Police”
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-3- Internal Security- Strengthening National Security: Key Takeaways from the 59th All India Conference of Directors Generals/Inspector Generals of Police”
FOR PRELIMS:
What is the role of state police forces in India?
FOR MAINS:
What are the key challenges faced by Indian police in maintaining law and order? Discuss the impact of manpower shortages, outdated infrastructure, and political interference on police effectiveness.
Why in the news?
The 59th All India Conference of Directors Generals/Inspector Generals of Police will be held at the State Convention Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The three-day conference will focus on key national security issues, including counterterrorism, left-wing extremism, coastal security, new criminal laws, and narcotics. The President’s Police Medal for distinguished service will also be awarded. The conference will provide a platform for senior police professionals to discuss challenges related to crime control, law and order, and internal security.
State police service in India:
1. Structure: Each Indian state has its own police force led by a Director General of Police (DGP). The state police handle law enforcement, crime prevention, and maintaining public order within their respective jurisdictions.
2. Personnel: India’s state police forces collectively employ over 2.5 million personnel, making it one of the largest police organizations in the world.
3. State vs Central Police: State police handle most law and order duties, while Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), like the CRPF, BSF, and CISF, assist in border security and specialized operations.
4. Jurisdiction: State police have jurisdiction within their state, handling crimes such as murder, robbery, and other offences. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), however, can take over cases of national importance.
5. Crime Data: In 2023, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported over 50 lakh criminal cases across the country, with state police forces managing the bulk of investigations and prosecutions.
6. Reforms and Modernization: Many states are working on police modernization, improving infrastructure, training, and technology integration, such as the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), for better data handling and coordination.
7. Women in Policing: Representation of women in state police forces is increasing, with states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi seeing significant numbers of female officers in specialized roles. However, overall female representation remains under 10%.
8 . Community Policing: Several states are promoting community policing initiatives, with programs like Janamaithri Police (Kerala) to foster better police-public relationships.
Role of police maintaining internal security:
1. Law and Order: Maintain peace, prevent civil disturbances, and protect citizens’ rights.
2. Crime Prevention and Investigation: Detect and investigate crimes, ensuring public safety and justice.
3. Counterterrorism: Combat terrorism by gathering intelligence, disrupting cells, and preventing attacks.
4. Left-Wing Extremism: Address insurgencies like Naxalism through counterinsurgency operations.
5. Border and Coastal Security: Collaborate with central agencies to protect borders and coastlines from illegal activities.
6. Disaster Response: Assist in emergency situations and maintain order during natural calamities or crises.
7. Anti-Organized Crime: Dismantle criminal networks involved in smuggling, trafficking, and illegal activities.
8. Cybersecurity: Combat digital crimes like hacking, fraud, and online threats.
Issues with the police force in India:
1. Shortage of Manpower: Insufficient police personnel leads to overburdened officers and inadequate law enforcement.
2. Lack of Infrastructure: Outdated equipment and facilities hinder effective policing and crime management.
3. Dependence on Central Agencies: Over-reliance on agencies like CBI and CRPF reduces the autonomy and operational capacity of state police.
4. Political Interference: External political pressures impact police impartiality and decision-making, undermining public trust.
5. Gender Inequality: Underrepresentation of women and challenges in career progression contribute to gender imbalance in the workforce.
6. Emerging Threats: Lack of resources and expertise to combat cybercrime and other modern security threats.
Recommendation/ Major make police service a true wall of protection:
1. Community Policing and Engagement: Build strong relationships with the community and involve citizens in decision-making processes.
2. Enhanced Training Programs: Train officers in de-escalation, cultural sensitivity, bias, and mental health crisis intervention.
3. Accountability and Transparency: Require body cameras, establish civilian oversight, and regularly release police data.
4. Focus on Officer Well-being: Provide mental health support and stress management, and ensure work-life balance for officers.
5. Use of Technology for Efficient Policing: Implement data-driven policing and equip officers with non-lethal tools.
6. Clear and Transparent Policies on Use of Force: Establish strict use-of-force guidelines and require immediate reporting and justification of force.
7. Public Education and Outreach: Educate the public on their rights and organize community events to build positive relationships with police.
8. Building a Diverse Workforce: Encourage local recruitment and promote diversity in police leadership.
Conclusion
The 59th All India Conference of Police Chiefs is focusing on key national security concerns like counterterrorism and coastal security. State police services play a critical role in maintaining internal security but face challenges such as manpower shortages, outdated infrastructure, political interference, and emerging threats like cybercrime. To strengthen the force, it is essential to enhance community policing, improve training, increase accountability, prioritize officer well-being, and integrate modern technology. Promoting gender equality and diversity in leadership will also foster better public trust.
Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (ENG) 07th Dec 2024
Prelims Question:
Q. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the role of police in maintaining internal security in India?
1. The police force is responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing civil disturbances, and ensuring public safety.
2. The police are mainly tasked with border security and counterinsurgency operations in collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces.
3. Women in policing represent more than 30% of the total police force in India.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1 only
Answer: A
Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the major challenges faced by the state police services in India in ensuring internal security and suggest measures to enhance their effectiveness.
(250 words, 15 marks)
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