Survey Reveals Only 25% Trust in Indian Police; Delhi Police Ranks 19th in Public Perception

Delhi Police Ranks 19th in Public Trust, According to Survey

 

Politics, India

Despite being one of the most concentrated state police forces in the country, the Delhi Police has ranked a dismal ninth among Indian states and union territories for their accessibility and responsiveness, according to the findings of a recent survey.

 

The Delhi Police ranked 19th among all states regarding the perception of public trust, according to a survey released by a private think tank last week. In terms of perception of police accountability, the Delhi Police, which is responsible for law and order in the national capital, ranked 18th.

Overall, the Delhi Police ranked 12th on the SMART Policing Index 2021 released by the Indian Police Foundation (IPF), a think tank run by retired IPS officers and academics. The Delhi Police, which comes under the control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), scored 6.85 on the index. The SMART index score is indicative of citizens’ satisfaction and trust and is given on a scale from 1 to 10 — the higher the score, the higher the level of satisfaction.

The aim of the survey, which collected responses from over 1.6 lakh citizens in the country, is to gauge public perceptions about the quality of policing in India and the level of public trust in the police. “Based on the philosophy underlying the Prime Minister’s SMART policing idea, IPF constructed a survey framework to measure citizens’ perceptions from a perspective of public trust in police. Trust was identified as the overarching element of the SMART policing vision,” the survey report said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the SMART police initiative in 2014.

Despite being one of the most concentrated state police in the country, the Delhi Police ranked a dismal ninth among Indian states and union territories for their accessibility and responsiveness, as per the survey findings. According to the latest data made available by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), which also works under the aegis of the MHA, Delhi Police has almost 5,540 police persons for every 100 square kilometres of area— the second-highest concentration of police in the country after Chandigarh.

As per BPRD’s data, Delhi had a strength of 82,195 police personnel till January 2020, of which just 10,110 were women police personnel. This means that despite having a 33% quota for women, Delhi Police only has 12.3% of women.

When it comes to the perception of sensitivity, Delhi Police ranked seventh. For helpful and friendly policing, Delhi Police ranked ninth; tenth for strictness and good behaviour; twelfth for fair, unbiased and lawful policing; and thirteenth for integrity and corruption-free service. Delhi Police’s best performance was for the perception of technology adoption, where it ranked fifth with a score of 7.57. Maximum expenditure on training was made by the Delhi Police at Rs 203.92 crore in 2019-2020 among all states, as per BPRD data.

Andhra Pradesh topped the index with an overall score of 8.11, followed closely by Telangana with an 8.10 score. With a 7.89 score, Assam stood third on the index, followed by Kerala with a score of 7.53. Bihar fared the worst with a 5.74 score. Uttar Pradesh had scored 5. 81 on the index and was the second-worst performing state.

FAQs: Survey Reveals Only 25% Trust in Indian Police; Delhi Police Ranks 19th in Public Perception

Do Indians trust police?

The persistently low public trust in the Indian police force can be attributed to a combination of historical, structural, and cultural factors.

Critically analyze the reasons behind the persistently low public trust in the Indian police force. What measures can be taken to improve the police’s image and effectiveness in serving the community?

Introduction: Give a brief context to the question Body: Highlight reasons behind low public trust in police and measures that can improve it.

Conclusion: Way forward

The persistently low public trust in the Indian police force can be attributed to a combination of historical, structural, and cultural factors.

Key reasons behind the issue are:

Police Brutality and Corruption: The public’s trust has been damaged by numerous reports of incidents involving police brutality and corruption. Unfavorable opinions of the police are influenced by incidents involving bribery, excessive force, and deaths in custody.

Lack of Accountability: It can give rise to a sense of impunity when people believe that police officers are never held responsible for their actions, even when they commit misconduct or abuse. The public is more likely to mistrust this absence of accountability.

Political Interference: The impartiality and efficiency of law enforcement may be jeopardized when politicians meddle in police affairs. Public trust is weakened by political pressure to act in a particular way, regardless of moral or legal implications.

Inadequate Training and Resources: Insufficient training and resources for police officers can lead to a lack of professionalism. This may result in poor handling of situations, further contributing to negative perceptions.

Discord between Centre and States: A growing mistrust between the Union and states has developed over the role of Central agencies like ED, and CBI in opposition-ruled States. This led to state executives not trusting senior IPS officers and instead demanding complete loyalty from the state police cadre.

Measures to improve police image and effectiveness

Enhanced Training Programs: Implement comprehensive and ongoing training programs that focus on professionalism, ethical behavior, and community engagement.

Accountability Mechanisms: Establish independent oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency in police actions. Swift and fair investigations into misconduct allegations can help restore public trust.

Community Policing Initiatives: Foster a community-oriented approach, encouraging police officers to work collaboratively with local communities to address issues and build positive relationships.

Political Independence: Ensure the independence of the police force from political interference to maintain professionalism and unbiased law enforcement.

Technological Integration: Invest in modern technologies for better law enforcement, including the use of body cameras, data analytics, and other tools that enhance transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

The need is to motivate youth and women to join the police force not only because of job prospects but also because of allowing them to display their talent. Any effort to significantly raise the standard of policing could benefit from a significant reorganization that closes the gap between the higher and lower ranks. If the perception of India’s police force is to improve, then knowledge, integrity, and true compassion for the average person must coexist.

Where can I complain against Delhi Police?

You can email complaints against police officers indulging in acts of corruption, negligence, and malpractices to dcp-vigilance-dl@nic.in or use WhatsApp number 9910641064.

How do I report a corrupt police officer in India?

You can write to the superior police officer to who the corrupt police officer you mention is administratively subordinate, or to the chief minister. You can lodge an FIR or file a complaint before a court as well.

What to do if police slaps you?

Contact the Police Complaint Authority and submit a complaint. The complaint should be filed as quickly as possible after the incident.

How to handle Police harassment in India?

Never indulge in a fight with a police officer. Always remain calm, polite, and humble. If needed to file a complaint against a Police Officer, always do so in the commissioner’s office in the city. If necessary, file a complaint with the nearest Magistrate. Remember, nobody is above the law.

Police Complaint Authority (PCA)

The Police Complaint Authority was created in 2006 after the Supreme Court directed all States to begin a reformation in their Police. The PCA investigates accusations of serious misconduct against police personnel, such as death in police custody, grievous hurt, or rape. Complaints can be filed directly with the PCA.

How to File a Complaint with the Police Complaint Authority

To file a complaint, contact the PCA and ask for a prescribed format. The complaint should be in writing and must include necessary details such as the incident description, names, and addresses of involved parties, and any relevant documents. Keep copies of the complaint and documents as proof.

In conclusion, addressing the issues of police accountability, transparency, and professionalism is crucial for restoring public trust in law enforcement agencies. Implementing measures such as enhanced training programs, accountability mechanisms, community policing initiatives, and political independence can contribute to building a more trustworthy and effective police force in India.

References

Cases:

• Union of India v. Prakash P. Hinduja- AIR 2003 SC 2612
• H.N.Rishbud v. the State of Delhi- AIR 1955 SC 196
• Adri Dharan Das v. the State of W.B- 2005(2)ALD(Cri)67
• Niranjan Singh v. the State of U.P- AIR 1957 SC 142
• State of Bihar v. J.A.C.Saldanha- AIR 1980 SCR 326
• S.N.Sharma v. Bipen Kumar Tiwari- AIR 1970 SC 786
• Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh- WRIT PETITION (CRIMINAL) NO. 68 of 2008
• Prakash Singh and Others v. Union of India- Writ Petition 310 of 1996