Policing in India

Transcript of interview with Professor K. Jaishankar

SKN

Hello, everyone, this is Susanne Knabe-Nicol from Police Science Dr. Today, I’m doing an exclusive interview with Professor Jaishankar who is the founder and principal director of the International Institute of Justice and Police Sciences. So, he will hopefully tell us all about himself, hello Professor Jaishankar, welcome.

JAI

Good morning, Susanne. Nice to meet you and let me introduce myself. I'm Karuppannan (K) Jaishankar. I've been in this field of Criminology for the past 30 years, starting as an assistant professor and rising to the position of full professor. In 2022, I started my own institute, called the International Institute of Justice and Police Sciences at Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

In terms of justice sciences, I have collated disciplines that are more social science-oriented, such as criminology, law, psychology, and sociology. As for police sciences, I have included more applied sciences like police science, crime science, criminal analysis, forensic science, and medicine.

Our institute functions primarily as a think tank. We work for policing, prisons, and students, aiming to create modern-day personnel who can support existing policing and other criminal justice agencies.

SKN

Excellent. Can you tell us a little bit about your accomplishments so far, and your career and your history and the involvement you’ve had with criminal justice and law enforcement?

JAI

I have two types of accomplishments, both in academia and applied-oriented policing support. During 1997-2002, my PhD thesis at the Department of Criminology, University of Madras, focused on crime mapping. During this time, I was mentored by Professor Keith D Harries from the Department of Geography at the University of Maryland in the US. I learned various crime mapping and crime analytic techniques and completed a postgraduate diploma in Geographic Information System (GIS) management from the Department of Geography, University of Madras. As part of this program, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Chennai Police on a thesis project. In 1999, we developed a crime-mapping model for the Chennai Police. Based on the recommendations from our study, the Chennai Police established a crime-mapping centre within their department.

Later, I attempted to implement other applied initiatives in policing, but due to certain challenges within the policing system, I returned to academic work, which is more theoretical in nature. In 2007, I developed a theory called the Space Transition Theory of Cybercrimes and created an academic sub-discipline of Criminology, called Cyber Criminology and published numerous articles on the subject.

In 2016, I had the opportunity to work as a Full Professor of Criminology at Raksha Shakti University (Now Rastriya Raksha University), a police university established by the then-Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, who is now the Prime Minister of India. During my time there, I had extensive interactions with policing, as the then-Vice Chancellor, Mr. Vikas Sahay, was an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who encouraged the integration of the concept of embedding criminologists in policing. Together, we both worked to integrate policing models with academia, fostering an academia-police partnership.

We secured funding from the Commissioner of the city of Ahmedabad and initiated a project called the Trained Criminologist Project. We recruited three individuals and focused on crime analysis, collecting data from the police and conducting crime mapping. We introduced statistical models to identify crime hotspots and pinpoint problem areas. The findings were submitted to the Ahmedabad Commissioner, and this initiative helped embed the concept of evidence-based policing within the system. This approach continues to develop even today.

SKN

How is Science integrated in Indian Policing? Explain the Challenges.

JAI

Science has been integrated into Indian policing for a long time, particularly in the fields of forensic science and forensic medicine, as these tools assist police in investigations. However, we are now moving beyond just forensic science and embracing the concept of crime science. For example, in the UK, the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science at University College London, led by professors like Gloria Laycock, has pioneered this approach. Crime science integrates multiple disciplines, including engineering, architecture, geography, and others, alongside forensic science.

I believed this concept could be adapted to the Indian context. During my tenure at Raksha Shakti University (Now Rastriya Raksha University), I introduced a Master’s program in Criminology and Crime Science. While criminology is a more theoretical discipline, I aimed to create a program that integrates science to assist policing and focus on crime prevention.

In some parts of India, policing remains rudimentary in terms of scientific adoption due to funding constraints. However, in other regions, police departments have adopted advanced technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Over the past 25 years, I have observed that police in cities like Hyderabad have embraced geospatial technologies.

With the rise of the internet and social media, cybercrimes have increased significantly in India. Many police departments have adopted cybercrime prevention technologies, and the central government has implemented a computerized criminal tracking system. While the adoption of science in policing is growing, challenges remain, particularly with funding and budgeting.

Police often rely on private parties for scientific support, as they lack the resources to train every officer in these specialized areas. Administrative and crime prevention duties also limit their capacity to focus on scientific training. As a result, the integration of science into policing is a costly endeavour. Nevertheless, India is making progress in this area.

Private entities, such as data consultancy services, play a significant role in supporting police by providing crime data analysis. Organizations like the State Crime Records Bureaus and the National Crime Records Bureau also contribute. However, the challenge lies in transforming data into actionable information and practical solutions.

Currently, there is an immense amount of data available, but it is not always converted into meaningful information for crime prevention, research, or policy implementation. The gap between data collection and its practical application remains a significant issue. While policing depends heavily on private parties for support, the lack of adequate funding limits their ability to develop in-house capabilities. This is the primary challenge facing the integration of science into Indian policing today.

SKN

Is that perhaps a lack of crime and intelligence analysts that you’ve got? You say you’ve got all this data but you can’t make sense of it. Is there a shortage of crime analysts in India or maybe even is the profession not well enough developed and recognised, and what would you suggest to be done about that?

JAI

In the US and the UK, there are specialized professionals known as crime analysts. These crime analysts can be either police crime analysts or civilian crime analysts. They work in the background, providing crucial support to policing efforts. However, in India, this concept is not well-established. The police, as an agency, are a rigid law enforcement body and do not typically incorporate external agencies or internal units dedicated to analysis in a significant way. Their focus remains primarily on traditional policing, and they are hesitant to involve civilians within their system.

This mindset creates a challenge for the inclusion of evidence-based policing or evidence-based criminology. Police often perceive external parties as less capable or not on par with their own standards. This is a significant issue I have observed. For instance, in the US, crime analysts play a vital role by assisting policing efforts from behind the scenes, which is something I believe India could greatly benefit from.

For several years, I have recommended the need for such crime analysts in Indian policing. I have written about this in police journals and discussed it with police officers during various interactions. However, there is still a need for substantial momentum to embed this idea within the policing systems. There is a need to create awareness and advocate for the appointment of a separate group of professionals called crime analysts, in India. These individuals should be drawn from those with criminology degrees and should be trained in areas like crime analysis and crime science to enhance policing effectiveness.

While forensic science is important and should continue to develop, it is equally crucial to incorporate advanced technologies and create new roles like crime analysts. This would not only improve policing but also bring a more scientific and analytical approach to crime prevention and investigation. The integration of such professionals could mark a significant step forward in modernizing Indian policing.

SKN

I find that really interesting. I wasn’t even aware that you don’t really have the role of a crime analyst in India, and I can completely understand that that will stifle a lot of the more advanced techniques to be brought in that you’re maybe teaching about. Could you tell us a bit about how policing is set up in India and maybe how it was set up initially and how it has developed or not developed from then?

JAI

India is a vast country with a rich and complex history, encompassing both glorious and challenging periods. Several hundred years ago, when kings were the primary providers of justice, village-based policing systems, were in place. Over time, as the Mughals arrived, they introduced their own style of policing known as daroga policing. Later, the British arrived in the 1600s and 1700s and ruled India for nearly 200 years and created the modern policing systems in India.

The modern police system in the UK began with the London Metropolitan Police Act. Similarly, in 1861, when India came under the direct rule of the British Crown, the policing system inspired by the Peelian principles was introduced in India. This system initially took root in the Sindh region, where the Metropolitan policing or Commissionerate system was established. Although it started on a small scale, it gradually expanded. However, the British designed this system primarily to control the population, rather than to serve them. As a result, policing in India was never seen as a service but rather as a tool for control. The police were viewed as subordinates to politicians, working under their authority.

This legacy is reflected in the Indian Police Act of 1861, which included provisions stating that the police would operate under the overall control of magistrates, who, in turn, were under British authority. Unfortunately, even after 75 years of independence, India continues to follow the same 1861 Police Act. This is largely because the current administrative system finds it convenient and has resisted change. Over the years, several commissions, such as the National Police Commission, have recommended repealing the Act. Subsequent governments have also attempted to replace it with a Model Police Act, but these efforts have not progressed beyond the drafting stage. The Model Police Act remains just that—a model.

Recently, the Indian government revised the criminal laws, including the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidence Act, and the Criminal Procedure Code, all of which were originally enacted during the British era. While the names of these laws have been changed, their provisions remain largely like the British model, with only a few new additions.

Despite these changes, I strongly recommend that the Indian Police Act of 1861 be repealed and replaced with a new, comprehensive Police Act that aligns with the needs and aspirations of modern India. This would mark a significant step toward reforming the policing system and ensuring it serves the people, rather than merely controlling them.

SKN

You mentioned earlier that you’ve been making several recommendations for quite a while when you’re writing to Indian police journals. Can you give us a bullet-point list of which changes you suggest are needed to improve and make the Indian police system more efficient and effective?

JAI

As I mentioned earlier, the policing model in India remains rooted in the British system, which was designed to control the population rather than serve them. This model prioritizes serving political masters over the people. Although, post-independence, we have established the Indian Police Service (IPS), which includes the term "Police Service," the operational model does not align with the idea of serving the public. Instead, the police are often perceived as adversaries rather than allies, and this sentiment is mutual.

Frequently, we encounter instances of police corruption, where some police officers align themselves with political leaders and comply with their demands. Also, police officers often find themselves unable to address certain issues effectively due to interference from political authorities. Those who resist or act against their political masters face transfers, suspensions, or even removal from service. This creates a significant problem, undermining the integrity and effectiveness of the police force.

To address these issues, I propose three key reforms.

First, the Indian Police Act of 1861 must be repealed and replaced with a modern framework that prioritizes public service over control.

Second, there must be a concentrated effort to tackle police corruption and eliminate high-handedness within the force. Third, the inclusion of professionals like crime analysts would enhance the efficiency of policing.

Further, the police in India are overburdened, working around the clock without holidays or vacations. They are tasked with numerous responsibilities, which often leads to insensitivity towards the needs of the public and victims. When individuals approach the police to file complaints, their cases are often treated as just another routine matter, leading to a normalization of victimization. This mindset prevents the police from viewing cases from a victimological perspective, where the focus should be on empathy and support.

To address this, police stations should function more like hospitals. A receptionist should welcome and console victims, guiding them to proper counselling before the crime is formally recorded. Without such an approach, crimes in India continue to occur, but the reporting rate remains significantly lower compared to many other nations. This lack of trust and support discourages victims from coming forward, perpetuating a cycle of underreporting and unresolved cases.

I believe that reforming the policing system to prioritize service over control, addressing corruption, and integrating specialized roles like crime analysts are essential steps toward building a more effective and empathetic police force. Additionally, transforming police stations into victim-friendly spaces would encourage reporting and ensure that victims receive the care and attention they deserve.

SKN

That’s really interesting and that’s a really good list of recommendations and I wish you the best of luck in trying to push this forward. Could you talk us through the routes into policing and the training provisions for people who become police officers in India

JAI

In India, policing is a state subject as per our Indian Constitution. There are four levels of selection in the Indian policing system. The first is the constabulary, which originates from the Indian Police Act and is modelled after the older British Metropolitan system. The constabulary forms the backbone of policing, but it is considered the lowest level, requiring only a 10th-grade school certificate as the minimum qualification and they are trained in respective state police recruitment schools.

The next level is the sub-inspector, which requires a degree and they are trained in the respective state police academy. This selection is conducted by state governments, as well as by central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and other central policing organizations. Above the sub-inspector level is the state-level deputy superintendent of police (DSP), selected by state service commissions and they too are trained in the respective state police academy. At the top of the hierarchy is the Indian Police Service (IPS), selected through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and trained at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) at Hyderabad. IPS officers represent the highest tier of Indian policing.

When IPS officers are selected, they are assigned to state governments under their respective cadres. They are directly appointed as assistant superintendents of police (ASPs), ranking higher than deputy superintendents of police (DSPs). IPS officers receive faster promotions and ascend the hierarchy more quickly, often reaching the rank of director general of police (DGP).

The constabulary, however, faces significant challenges. Constables rarely rise beyond the rank of sub-inspector or inspector and almost never reach the level of superintendent of police, deputy inspector general (DIG), inspector general (IG), or DGP. This is a major issue.

In the UK, police education has gained considerable importance. Many universities now offer programs such as MSc in Policing or Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Police Sciences. Police officers are often required to pursue such education, and doing so can lead to incentives like promotions. However, this is not the case in India. Even if a constable earns a PhD in criminology or police science, they are unlikely to be promoted to higher ranks. Education and Training are not valued in Indian policing like in British Policing or American Policing.

The issue lies in the rigid hierarchy of the Indian policing system. Higher education among the constabulary does not translate into upward mobility or respect from senior officers. Entry-level qualifications are fixed, and even if lower-ranking officers attain higher education, their seniors often do not value or acknowledge their achievements. This rigid hierarchy fosters inequality and discrimination within the police force, leading to a toxic work environment.

The Indian policing system is marked by a rigid hierarchy that limits the growth of the constabulary, despite their educational achievements. This creates disparities and hostility within the force, undermining its effectiveness and morale. Addressing these issues requires a more inclusive and merit-based approach to promotions and recognition within the policing system.

SKN

That’s quite interesting as well. As my last question to you today, Professor – if you had a magic wand and you could wave it to make a change in policing, what would it be?

JAI

To make policing more people-oriented, significant changes are needed. Currently, the policing system in India is not focused on serving the public; instead, it is state-oriented, functioning as an arm of the state. This means that the police often align their actions with the interests of political leaders in power, adjusting their approach based on the ruling party or individual.

However, I believe policing should prioritize serving the people wholeheartedly, rather than catering to political masters. To achieve this, a different model of policing must be adopted. One possible approach is to introduce mechanisms that make the police more accountable to the public. This could include systems for electing certain policing officials or establishing independent oversight bodies to ensure accountability and also decentralizing policing to the city or town level like the American or British Policing. Such reforms would help shift the focus of policing from serving the state to serving the people, fostering trust and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve.

SKN

Excellent, thank you very much. Professor Jaishankar, I thank you very much for your time and the insights you shared with us today. And I hope that somebody can take them and that you can take them and that progress will be made.

JAI

Thank you. I am hopeful that things will improve in the future, as India is still an evolving nation, overcoming the challenges inherited from its history, including colonialism and other struggles. India is growing, and it is essential for the government to allocate more budgetary resources toward policing. While policing itself does not generate revenue, it plays a critical role in protecting the revenues and assets of others by ensuring safety and security. Without effective policing, people cannot feel safe, and economic and social progress may be hindered.

I believe that with the right reforms and increased investment, the future of Indian policing will be far better than the current system. By prioritizing the modernization and professionalization of the police force, India can build a more efficient, accountable, and people-oriented policing system that truly serves its citizens.