Civil Police (it has armed wing as well) in India or for that matter anywhere in the world is the custodian of maintaining law and order and providing security to citizens, whereas army protects citizens from external aggression. All over the world, internal security and law and order get added attention as law and order and citizen's security is a minute-to-minute and day-to-day problem. External aggression is not as frequent as day-to-day law problems. The point is, why not police force should be as smart, well-trained and well-equipped as army? In fact, internal security system has to be more foolproof and responsive. Unfortunately, in India more attention is paid to protecting rulers and influential than the ordinary citizens.This mindset hasn't helped the internal security issue getting high priority
Worse, the image of police in India is that of a corrupt and lethargic force, solely commanded by and meant for ruling class. Not only poor but even higher people are often afraid of approaching the police for help. On the contrary, army men are held in high esteem and people adore them. This marked difference in perception calls for immediate corrective measures. It is difficult but not impossible.
As a first step, it should be mandatory for cops to shed weight. We often hear news of different states asking pot bellied cops to reduce weight but next day it is forgotten. Authorities should be serious and there has to be some deterrent in place.
There is also a feeling that the ingenious method of ‘cadre management’ of assured promotions for cops has led to complacency. It was recently revealed that out of the total 400 IPS officers in UP, more than half are of the level of DIG and above, with as many as twenty DG rank. In a small state like Himachal, there are five DGP rank officer, 9 IGs and 8 DIGs. This high ratio of the officers (demanding more subordinate staff) can't help a disciplined force. It only results in leaving a few officers to field when the chips are down. Its a time tested fact that soldiers can fight battle, if they are led from the front. The data of the past decade points out steep rise in crime statistics . As per the data of the National Crime Resource Bureau, cognizable crimes saw drastic increase of 63% and cognizable crimes an increase of 73%.frame
It is high level of competition and regular training that bring the best out of a person. Promotion should be a motivator to strive for excellence, not complacency. Experience, undoubtedly, is useful, but it can't be the sole determinant of performance. ‘We don't choose a surgeon on ‘seniority’ for complicated surgery'.
To ensure a army like smartness, a pot bellied, betel chewing cop doesn't fit into khaki uniform. He has to change.