Chhattisgarh Project

The image and reputation of the police in India is poor. The police is still organised much as it was under colonial rule when its chief purpose was to serve the rulers rather than the people. It continues to remain militaristic in design and suppressive in practice. The police system in India can be characterised as a regime force, which places the needs of politicians and powerful individuals above the rule of law and the needs of citizens.

Police are accused of favouritism, being discourteous to the public, and ignoring the complaints of the poor and uninfluential. Moreover they are seen as violators of the law, open-handedly accepting bribes, breaking traffic laws and fabricating various elements of investigations.

Abuse of power and brutality may be put down to a number of factors including a negative public image, poor working conditions and political interference. Abuse is compounded by a lack of accountability mechanisms and faulty investigation processes.

Police personnel themselves put their actions down to the tiring circumstances and stress under which they operate, including the fear of unwanted transfers and suspensions orchestrated by the politically influential. Conversely promises of preferential treatment and promotions along with certain other benefits and perks are offered for cooperation with the powerful.

Recruited staff regularly retire in the same positions and promotion procedures are not fully followed. Police personnel are often unhappy with transfer and posting proceedings and aware that these are biased due to political interference. There is a constant fear of unfair punishment. In addition to this physical environment lacks the bare minimum facilities including drinking water and toilet facilities, while infrastructure such as stationary, vehicles, arms and ammunition remain inadequate. There are minimal housing provisions while travel and food allowances, pay and provision of uniforms are also insufficient.