JOIN USAmod Kanth, a former IPS officer who has served in various capacities with Delhi Police, recalls how beat constables’ relationship with community leaders helped maintain peace during the anti-Sikh riots in 1984. Excerpts from an interview with Shiv Sunny:
How different are Delhi’s beat constables from their counterparts in some other countries?
I visited Japan some years ago and found their system to be among the best.
The beat constables in Japan live in the beat area with their families. Very often, the beat constable’s spouse is paid a certain amount as she steps into his/her partner’s shoes in his/her absence. That helps maintain strong police presence in the beat area at almost all times.
It is also a remarkable system there as beat constables maintain a very intimate relationship with the people of the area. As a result, they know minute details about everything happening in the area. The beat constables also try to keep themselves unarmed at most times as they are considered peace agents.
Did you try to replicate the system in Delhi?
Yes, we tried to adopt that system here, but our beat constables could never play that role. The two cities are very different, and the public’s way of perceiving policemen is very different. The love, empathy and trust between the policemen and the public never developed in Delhi.
When did you best utilise beat constables during your tenure as a police officer in Delhi?
It was during the anti-Sikh riots in 1984. I was posted as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Central district. The beat constables’ relationship with community leaders in the area proved to be an asset during that period.
Under my leadership, regular meetings were held between the beat constables and the locals. This went on to help maintaining communal harmony during those tough times.
How will more women in beat policing change the scenario?
It will bring about a dramatic change in the profile of beat policing. Since the policewomen will be required to perform all functions, they will also be required to serve in the beat areas.
Since their behaviour is very different as compared to men, there will be an attitudinal change in the beat police. Their soft nature will help improve relations with woman, children and the elders who are among the most vulnerable sections.
Do the Delhi Police care for its beat policemen?
I don’t think so. They do not create enough facilities for them. Beat constables should be provided at least the basic facilities such as proper toilets, rest rooms and decent place to change their clothes. But the ground reality is that several police stations themselves are in bad shape.
What would be your idea of an ideal environment for beat constables to perform their duty well?
The beat constables should be provided personal space to be themselves. They need space to think, to interact with people from their beat area. Ideally, every police station should have a separate space marked for the beat policemen.
That space should be used by the beat policemen as an office, a restroom or for the work they prefer. That space is even more necessary with more women set to be inducted into Delhi Police.