The obstacles against humane policing

Source– The post is based on the article “The obstacles against humane policing” published in “The Hindu” on 6th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Security

Relevance– Issues related to policing

News– The serious complaint of human rights violation recently against an IPS officer in Ambasamudram in south Tamil Nadu.

How is policing behaviour across the different countries of the world?

The U.S. has many instances of police torture. The death of 46-year-old an African-American George Floyd following physical torture is recent example.

Police handling of the public is more civilised in most of Europe.

A large number of cases of torture have also gone unreported. This largely constitutes assaults on women. Only about 10% of complaints are believed to have been registered.

What are future expectations about a more humane and civilised police force in India?

First, one of the main reasons for inhumane policing is corruption among public servants. It has increased in recent times. Personal costs involved for crusaders against corruption are increasing by the day. This is responsible for lack of public outrage against corruption.

Second, average policeman is subjected to high stress. The pressure to produce results has been on the rise.

Third, our country has large police forces. Disseminating the message of ethics to the lower hierarchy of such a large force is a difficult  task.

How is the philosophy of some political actors about policing responsible for uncivilised behaviour by police?

Many political actors believe that without physical force on misbehaving citizens, the quality of policing cannot improve and law and order cannot be maintained.

The tough stand of some Chief Ministers has encouraged police leadership for human rights transgressions. They have preached the use of third-degree and extra-legal methods. The consequence is incidents like Ambasamudram.

What is the way forward for civilised police?

Solid training in ethics at the time of induction is not enough. The pressures in the field are so enormous that the impact of ethical education will evaporate quickly.

DGPs and IGPs have a crucial role in indoctrinating young recruits on the value of sticking to the law and civilised behaviour.