Community policing 

 

The Police and its mandate

The police, though much maligned is a necessary force in our society today. The maintenance of law and order is a responsibility and mandate that cannot be borne lightly. It is sadly so that popular public perception does not look to the police service in India with trust. Such a circumstance can only hinder the execution of the responsibility that the service is enshrined with. Given this hinderance, and the frequent calls for the extension of transparency in the police service, I believe that it is important to remind the institution of the police of the circumstances which permit for their functioning. As a public agency the budget for the police is paid by state coffers. A fund demarcated by the government in power is entrusted to the police for carrying out its duties. This fund, is ultimately provided for by the taxes paid by the citizens of India. This, along with it’s constitutional authority - is what provides the police forces with the means and directive necessary to carry out its duties.

The place for community policing

Community policing is not a new concept. It’s origins can be traced to Sir Robert Peel (prime minister of United Kingdom 1834-35 & 1841-46, in picture) - who founded the Metropolitan Police Service, commonly known as Scotland Yard. Its application however in India in the light of changes brought on in society via the technological and information revolutions requires tailoring. 

There may be many situations in the lives of Indian citizens which do not readily permit the use of standardized policing apparatuses and procedures such as the filling of a first information report. Some of these areas maybe sensitive, issues within a family or grievances in the working environment. Such situations often inhibit victims from reaching out to the police, particularly if the force were to stick to its reactive and interventive practices. 

Proactive policing does not have to entail increasing patrols or deployment. The presence of a childcare helpline in the need-to-know section of newspapers and  a mediatory and/or legal aid functioning as an adjunct to the human resource department in companies, I believe - may be important and timely initiative to take up for the advancement of the justice infrastructure in our country. In a land where there is already a pendency of over three crore cases left unanswered in courts - it is imperative and essential that we address grievances before they escalate and lead to the call for  initiating criminal or civil procedures.

Consequences of the absence of community policing

The setting aside of such initiatives will let lumpen and unauthorized elements in society  to take over these functions. This would be the worst possible outcome. The malignancy of these sections may vary - 1) from neighborhood associations who do not abide by the Rent Control Act or even disallow members of minority communities from finding housing and accommodation, all the way to Khap panchayats that carry out horrific honor killings in the name of tradition. We as a modern and democratic nation cannot allow the continued prevalence of such practices. It is therefore essential that ready accessibility to policing and judicial infrastructure be made available even at the neighborhood level. A citizen must be able to seek the assistance of authorized personnel who are committed to upholding the law and order of the nation, even if such an individual is unwilling or unable to file a first information report leading to the registry of a case.

The people and their freedom

It must be underlined, particularly in such times which have witnessed large scale protests, that the force recognize the mandate that authorizes it. And it upholds its duty to protect the civil and democratic rights of citizens. These functions are integral to cementing social cohesion in circumstances of strife. At the same time, it is necessary that the leadership of public agencies such as the police, bear in mind that it is only a responsive and free citizenry who are able to undertake their employment and transaction which provides for the funds which fills the coffers of the service. This is an essential facet for us as citizens to meaningfully live our lives. The dilution of this freedom, will ultimately prove counterproductive to any agency which depends on the state.

K.S Arsh                                                                                                                    Saturday, 13 June, 2020