The world today has become a global village, geographical boundaries have become history, communication of all kinds is instantaneous and travel across continents has become the order of the day. The challenges before the police in the times to come will increase manifold. Some of the areas of concern will be -
Cyber criminal - Globalisation has stretched itself across the globe in a seamless fashion and consumerism and commercialization can be seen all over. All this has given rise to the cyber criminal who is tech savvy, uses the latest in technology to cover his tracks and indulges in cyber crime, money laundering, weapons and drugs smuggling, finances insurgencies and wars in banana republics etc. The cyber cop therefore has to be abreast of the latest developments in science and technology to outsmart, outwit, detect and apprehend this cyber criminal.
Terrorism – A concerted approach is required today to tackle the scourge of global terrorism. This must incorporate short term security measures as well as the long term solutions pertaining to legislation, political, economic and other social activity. Strong legislation similar to Patriot Act(2001) of US, Terrorism Act(2006) of UK, Anti terrorist Act(2005) of France etc are essential to counter the designs of terrorists and strengthen the arms of law enforcement agencies by permitting them to zero in on the nefarious designs of such organizations and save the lives of innocent citizens.
Anonymity – Geographical boundaries have ceased to exist, communication across the world is instant and global travel is common. All these on the one hand have opened up the economy and brought prosperity to countries but on the flip side have also given anonymity to the transnational criminals and mafias who sitting anywhere in the world can commit crime using computers and cyber-highway.
It is therefore imperative for India to introduce the concept of National identity cards to track individuals for the purpose of taxation, extending socio-economic benefits, checking illegal migration, locating criminals, facilitating elections online and ensuring better governance. A pilot project is already underway since 2003 to issue multi-purpose national identity cards to all citizens above the age of 18 years in twelve States and one UT.
Technology – Technology can play the role of a force multiplier by acting as a silent policemen and conducting surveillance and interception of suspicious persons and places. Use of GPS, mobile tracking, smart GIS systems are already in vogue. Scientific techniques must also be used for quality investigation as DNA mapping, Narco-analysis, Brain mapping etc.The latest advancements in the fields of IT must be incorporated to make police more effective and cyber smart.
Reliable witnesses – It is quite common to hear of witnesses turning hostile on account of intimidation, harassment or even allurement. The BMW case, Nitish Katara case, Best Bakery case etc show the tendency of the witnesses to turn hostile when the accused are high and mighty. A good Witness protection programme is essential to secure successful prosecution, ensure anonymity of crucial witnesses and encourage law abiding people to speak out the truth. The guidelines issued by the High Court of Delhi in Neelam Katara Vs UOI & Others(2003) can be a starting point.
Speedy disposal – Our Courts are today burdened with over 2.5 crore pending cases. Cases under trial are increasing each day. Concepts as Plea bargaining, limiting the number of appeals, suggestion of the Supreme Court that all criminal cases pending trail for over five years be fast tracked etc are suggestions worth pursuing. This is essential to reduce the heavy expenditure incurred by the State for keeping the accused in jails and transporting them to different cities and courts for trial purposes – all the while ensuring safety and security so that they do not escape from custody.
Reaching out – Demands for increasing transparency and accountability in the police working is making police move from the role of a traditionally feared policeman to that of a friend in need. A number of programmes as Janasahbhagita, Community liaison groups, community police officers etc have been initiated and many more similar ones are required to make the people realize that strengthening the hands of the police can make our societies safer and more secure by having more public-policemen in the society.
India today is an emerging economic and military super power. It is therefore important that the Policing system in the country is strengthened, the law is held supreme by all and the anti nationals and organized criminals do not try to subvert our country’s march to prosperity and progress.
(754 words)
Pankaj Kumar Singh, IG Police,
Jaipur Range-I, Jaipur
(published in newspaper DNA, Jaipur ON 13th June, 2008)
