There are other significant
psychological aspects of these problems. The author feels that
the public perception of the police and judiciary, which has
branded it as unworthy of trust, shapes and influences police
response. He observes that due to this policemen develop a sense
of uncertainty and insecurity and suffer from self-pity, thereby
making the use of force (custodial violence and brutality) more
likely. This may dramatically transform the perception of a
reader towards the police.
The author had
worked with the Shah Commission for an enquiry into the
declaration of Emergency by Indira Gandhi. He narrates certain
interesting observations made by Justice Shah on one of the most
unfortunate episodes in Indian democracy. The book also has
accounts of his colleagues and the people who have inspired him.
The sociological
insights of the author are surprisingly incisive. The work shows
his sensitivity towards the problems of tribes, casteism and
human rights. He thinks if the police refuse to investigate
tribal cases such as the loss of a small amount of rice or a
chicken because of the petty nature of such cases, it would
cause serious economic hardships to tribals and would shatter
their faith in the judicial system. The author is also critical
of separate messing arrangements for constables based on caste.
His association with the NHRC has affirmed his conviction that
adoption of short cuts and illegal and brutal methods not only
dehumanises the police, but also saps their skill and
competence.
Despite all these
concerns, the author reaffirms his faith in policing. He firmly
believes that a sensitive and proactive police officer can
command respect and confidence and render yeoman’s service to
the community.
He asserts that
communal riots can be prevented if the law-enforcement machinery
takes firm preventive measures at the first signs of approaching
trouble. The book suggests enhanced vigilance on corrupt
officers and proactive action against them, improved reporting
and investigation, re-energising and re-orienting the force by
selecting good leaders and improving pay scales, improving
training and reducing stress.
The author, while
narrating his days in the BSF, has highlighted the disturbing
trend of influx of refugees from Bangladesh, which has caused a
serious law-and-order problem. His understanding of diplomatic
undercurrents at meetings between the BSF and the Bangladesh
Rifles may draw a reader’s interest. The recent emergence of
private security agencies and their role in maintaining law and
order is discussed in the epilogue.
The commendable
reforms carried out by the author at the NPA and in the RPF make
for interesting reading. Although there is always a subjective
bias in every autobiography, this does not undermine the true
worth of a work. The book can be of a particular interest to
young officers joining the police service as well as their
senior peers and members of the public troubled by the decline
of law and order and erosion of human rights.
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