Police Reforms

None of the recommendations of National Police Commission, 1979 were implemented. 

Problems:

1. Faulty performance appraisal system: Hence, less no. of cases registered by SHOs –> reluctance to register FIR.
2. Communication gap between police and political leadership.
3. Overburdened Police. Population-Policemen ratio India 658:1, Ideal is 20:1.
4. Continuation of Police Act 1861, enacted after Sepoy Mutiny which was authoritarian in nature.
5. Corruption.
6. Untrained policemen equipped with age-old rusted arms cannot fight the super equipped militants.

In 1996, PIL was filled and SC came out with directives in Prakash Singh and others vs UOI, 2006.

1. Establishment of State Security commission which would work as watchdog and scientifically appraise the police.
2. Separation of investigation from law and order.
3. 4 operational post (SHO, SP, DIG, IG) terms should be fixed ie, 2 years. (reducing frequent transfer)
4. Appointment of DGP; (UPSC to prepare the list of 3-4 Senior most police officers; CM to choose; Length of service; range of exp; service record); Once appointed tenure fixed for 2 years.
5. Police Establishment Board to deal with transfer, posting and promotion to be done. State can’t victimize now.
6. National Police Complaint Authority.
7. National Security Commissions for selecting the heads of CAPFs.
8. Community Policing.