Policing in a Changing World: Vigilance, Trust and Technology

Every year, October 21 is observed as Police Commemoration Day in memory of ten brave policemen who made the supreme sacrifice while performing their patrol duty at Hot Springs in Ladakh, along the Chinese border, in 1959. The day 9which was celebrated last week) is an occasion to honour police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the preceding year. It is also a reminder that the safety and liberty citizens enjoy depend on the constant vigilance of those entrusted with protecting them.

Policing is not merely about apprehending criminals or maintaining public order. It is a continuous commitment to safeguarding lives, preventing crime and ensuring that citizens can go about their daily activities without fear. The nature of this responsibility, however, has changed considerably over the years.

New Challenges

Traditional crimes persist, but police forces must now confront threats that transcend geographical boundaries. Terrorism, illegal infiltration, drug trafficking, the proliferation of weapons and cybercrime have added new dimensions to internal security. Equally concerning is the use of social media to radicalise young people, recruit them into terrorist networks, promote drug abuse and draw them into gang wars. Hostile external actors increasingly exploit these channels to wage proxy campaigns aimed at disrupting India's social harmony and economic progress.

Such challenges demand a policing system that is alert, adaptable and forward-looking. The ability to anticipate threats, rather than merely respond after an offence has occurred, must become central to police work.

Prevention begins with awareness. Children, women and elderly citizens, in particular, must be regularly informed about emerging risks and practical precautions. Police websites and public outreach programmes can play an important role in this continuing exercise. Citizens should also know which emergency services to approach: 112 India for emergencies and 1930 for reporting cyber financial fraud, among other relevant helplines. Awareness is not a one-time campaign; it must be sustained, updated and accessible to every section of society.

My experience as Commissioner of Police and later as Director General of Police reinforced my belief that policing becomes more effective when citizens participate in maintaining their own safety. I launched the Police Mitra initiative to encourage such cooperation. Nearly five lakh men and women from different age groups, religions and linguistic backgrounds joined the programme enthusiastically. After receiving regular briefings on public safety, they worked alongside local police and acted as ambassadors of community security.

The initiative demonstrated that public trust is not built through authority alone. It grows when people see the police as approachable partners who listen to their concerns and help address them. When citizens share information freely with the police and cooperate in identifying local threats, many offences can be prevented before they take place, making security a collective responsibility rather than the burden of the police alone. Community participation also strengthens the flow of local information, enabling police personnel to identify potential problems before they escalate.

Technology has opened further opportunities for crime prevention and investigation. CCTV cameras installed on streets and in residential societies, offices and commercial premises have proved valuable in identifying offenders. In some locations, artificial intelligence is enhancing surveillance systems by generating alerts and enabling quicker responses. Digital forensics, call detail record analysis, voice analysis, digitised fingerprints and social media monitoring have also strengthened investigative capabilities.

Citizen Participation

But technology must be used responsibly. Moreover, technology alone cannot ensure effective policing; human intelligence, local knowledge and the ability to assess a situation correctly remain equally important.

Citizens, too, have a role to play. Before forwarding a video or sensational message, they must verify its authenticity. Fake and AI-generated videos can spread misinformation, inflame communal or social tensions and mobilise mobs with alarming speed. Sharing such material without verification can contribute to serious criminal consequences.

The digital threat extends beyond misinformation. Personal photographs, contact details and other information shared on online platforms can be accessed or misused by criminals. Citizens must therefore exercise caution while disclosing personal information. Unknown calls and video calls should be treated carefully; unfamiliar links must not be clicked, one-time passwords must never be disclosed, and passwords should be changed regularly.

Cybercriminals exploit trust as much as technology. Women seeking matrimonial partners, elderly people looking for employment and individuals pursuing investment opportunities can be particularly vulnerable to carefully constructed deception. Criminals may impersonate relatives, officials or legitimate businesses to manipulate their victims. Digital literacy must consequently become an essential part of education, especially for young people. Businesses, meanwhile, must install robust firewalls, update software regularly and address security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

A technologically equipped police force must also be a professionally prepared one. Training should incorporate practical case studies, lessons from previous investigations and the use of AI to identify gaps in knowledge and skills. Regular e-learning through platforms such as the Government of India's iGOT Karmayogi, alongside courses designed by the Bureau of Police Research and Development, can help personnel remain abreast of evolving laws, procedures and investigative methods.

Equally important is the human dimension of policing. Physical fitness, yoga, outdoor sports, balanced nutrition and freedom from addiction contribute to the stamina required for demanding duties. Spiritual intelligence can help personnel maintain composure when confronted with provocation, hostility or emotionally charged situations. Supportive families also provide an invaluable source of motivation.

International cooperation and exchanges of best practices between states can further improve policing. However, no technology can entirely replace human intelligence, local knowledge and sound judgement. Successful policing requires a judicious combination of technical capabilities and information gathered through trusted human relationships. New practices must also be followed by systematic implementation and monitoring.

Sensitive Attitude

Looking ahead, police leadership will become increasingly important. Personnel must be sensitive to citizens’ grievances, engage regularly with students, women and elderly people, and help them recognise emerging threats. Above all, corruption must be rejected under every circumstance. Public confidence cannot survive if those responsible for enforcing the law compromise its integrity.

I believe three priorities will determine the effectiveness of Indian policing in the years ahead: building trust with citizens, continuously educating them about emerging criminal methods, and embracing new technologies while remaining updated on the law and established procedures. These must be supported by professional training, accountable leadership and an uncompromising commitment to integrity.

Anticipating a crisis and remaining prepared to face it are as important as responding effectively when it occurs. Spiritual intelligence, too, can help policemen maintain high morale and exercise a cool, balanced judgement under pressure.

The challenges of tomorrow will not always announce themselves in advance. Police forces must learn to anticipate crises, prepare for contingencies and respond with both firmness and sensitivity. Ultimately, effective policing rests on a simple principle: remain सदैव सतर्क—ever vigilant. That vigilance, combined with public trust and professional integrity, is essential to protecting the nation and the freedoms of its people.

(The writer is former Director General of Police, Maharashtra. Views personal.)