[Answered] Analyze the ‘trust deficit’ in Indian policing and evaluate how a shift from an authority-driven ‘Force’ to a citizen-centric ‘Service’ model can restore institutional legitimacy.”

Introduction

India’s police face a deepening trust deficit, reflected in the India Justice Report 2022 and declining public confidence, necessitating a shift from coercive control to legitimacy-based, citizen-centric policing in a constitutional democracy.

Trust Deficit in Indian Policing

1. Erosion of legitimacy: Public faith is weakened by custodial violence, discrimination, politicisation, and lack of accountability, as highlighted by NHRC data and repeated judicial concerns.
2. Colonial legacy: The Police Act, 1861 institutionalised an authority-driven “force” model prioritising control over citizen rights, which clashes with the due process jurisprudence laid down in Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India.
3. Internal morale crisis: Events like the suicide of an IG-rank officer in Haryana amid caste discrimination allegations point to serious issues within the police hierarchy, indicating lack of inclusiveness and internal trust.

From “Force” to “Service” Model

1. Normative policing: Modern democracies rely on procedural justice where compliance stems from perceived fairness, not fear (Tom Tyler’s theory of legitimacy).
2. Service orientation: A citizen-centric approach focuses on problem-solving, empathy, and responsiveness, fulfilling the constitutional obligation under Article 21.
3. Judicial mandate: The Supreme Court in Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006) mandated reforms for professional, accountable, and autonomous policing, reinforcing the service ideal.

Role of Visibility

1. Approachable presence: Programs like Kerala’s Janamaithri Suraksha demonstrate how beat-level interaction enhances public trust.
2. Operational signalling: Initiatives like “Trackdown” and “Hotspot Domination” in Haryana showcase police presence in vulnerable areas, signaling that state control persists.
3. Digital visibility: Social media outreach, grievance redress portals, and dashboard reporting systems build transparency and public engagement, especially with youth and urban populations.

Role of Transparency

1. Explainable policing: Citizens respond better when police explain rationale behind actions, especially during raids, lockdowns, or traffic enforcement.
2. Institutional openness: Transparent recruitment, postings, and inquiry processes reduce perceptions of arbitrariness and improve internal morale.
3. Technology as enabler: Body-worn cameras, CCTNS, and e-FIR portals ensure accountability, but require strong data governance and ethical oversight.

Role of Fairness

1. Non-discrimination: Identity-based bias erodes public confidence; the police must function as an inclusive and impartial institution, especially in caste- and community-sensitive environments.
2. Internal equity: Officers must be judged by performance and integrity, not identity or political links, to uphold professional dignity.
3. Judicial oversight: In D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997), the SC laid down custodial safeguards—reaffirming that fairness is intrinsic to the rule of law.

Challenges in Transition

1. Political interference: Despite SC’s directives on Police Establishment Boards, frequent transfers erode operational independence.
2. Resource constraints: As per India Justice Report 2022, police-population ratio is below UN norms; training and forensic infrastructure remain inadequate.
3. Cultural inertia: Rigid hierarchies and lack of community connect make transition to a service model slow and difficult.

Way Forward

1. Structural reforms: Enforce Police Reforms (Prakash Singh guidelines), update Police Acts, and empower independent oversight mechanisms.
2. Capacity building: Embed ethics, sensitivity, and service values in police training and leadership programs.
3. Community partnership: Institutionalise community policing, involving local stakeholders in co-producing safety, especially in urban poor and rural areas.

Conclusion

As Justice J.S. Verma said, “Lawful authority must flow from constitutional legitimacy.” Only a visible, transparent, and fair police can reclaim public trust and institutional legitimacy in a democracy.