BY PACHU MENON

HOW OFTEN have we dared to assist a victim of a road accident without once bothering about the legalities involving the police? Has a visit to a police station for the most simplest of tasks ever been a pleasant affair? Time and again we are cautioned that a police station is not the right place for decent folk. What sparks off these misconstructions? A legacy of the colonial rule, the stern and haughty demeanor distinguishes a policeman of this country. The intimidating stance and talks are the result of a training that imbibes in the policemen a brash confidence that by playing on the psyche of a person, his will could be broken. Caricaturing the cops as corrupt and heartless brutes, a common man is led to be wary of any association with them.

Joining the force as rookies with fire in their belly, it would seem that the young officers are on a mission to take on the establishment and change the whole system. The pitfalls and desperations on the way mellow them sufficiently to make them toe the line and become mute spectators of the charade that is carried out in the name of law enforcement. The bland truth that they are under the thumbs of the politicians and are mere puppets dancing to their tunes drives them to likely godfathers who could offer them speedy promotions and meaty transfers.

COP FOILS

THUS, the policemen form perfect foils for political leaders who use them impudently. It is only when new incumbents assume office that they are shunted around making way for a new corps of ‘favourites’. This has been the usual practice and will continue to be so, unless the state government thinks seriously about implementing the Supreme Court directives on police reforms.

Desiring ‘functional autonomy’ for the police through a security of tenure for the policemen and streamlining their appointment and transfer processes however appears to be a distant dream. Arbitrary postings of ‘erring’ policemen have been much in news these days, some gaining prominence for all the wrong reasons. With political clout taking precedence over merit, a transparency and unbiased approach in the performances is sure to be felt. With various instances of state governments invariably using the police force to suit the whims and fancies of those in the ruling faction, there is an apprehension all around that political interference will never cease to influence the functioning of the police.

HURDLES

SO there is bound to be a hurdle at the very first step itself. An ‘enhanced police accountability’ whereby they could be held responsible for both ‘organisational performance’ and ‘individual misconduct’ should pave the way for a healthier police-public rapport. But again, it is easier said than done. In spite of the enforcers coming in for some heavy stick for shoddy investigations and deliberately diluting the severity of cases to facilitate acquittal of the accused, the public can only watch them dare something as preposterous as that.

The demand for a policy of non-interference from politicians, making the police force accountable to the public and penalising any abuse of power by them are being seen as reformative measures that guarantees a police organisation that is answerable to the law and not a law unto itself. Shielding the police from irrelevant influences, the reforms aim to view the police-public relationship in a broader perspective.

The concept of a ‘people-friendly’ police force has been on the anvil for quite some time now. Whether it has been conceptualised purely as a cosmetic venture or it has markings of a grand reality remains to be seen. But for sure, only a strong willed government, with a committed Home Minister, can bring about these long lasting improvements.