Open House: Are police reforms necessary to ensure public safety & official accountability?

Senior officers must be held accountable

Police reforms are essential to ensure public safety and restore public trust. The existing laws and regulations, though effective in the past, are no longer adequate to address the challenges of modern crimes. The rising incidents of snatching, theft, and violent offenses demand modern policing techniques. Law enforcement agencies must be equipped with advanced technology and specialized training to combat sophisticated criminal activities. Senior officers, including SHOs and DSPs, should be held accountable for crimes occurring within their jurisdictions. The police must actively engage with the community, build trust, and encourage citizens to report crimes without fear of harassment. Complainants should have the right to approach higher authorities in cases of unnecessary delays or inaction by the police. If an officer refuses to register a complaint, immediate disciplinary action should be taken against that individual. Abuse or threats against citizens by police personnel must not be tolerated, and strict measures should be enforced against those found guilty of such behaviour. Promotions should be based on merit and performance, while accountability should be ensured for failures within an officer’s area of responsibility. By implementing these reforms, we can strengthen public safety, reduce crime, and rebuild trust between citizens and law enforcement. Sucha Singh Sagar Bullowal

Need to strengthen democracy

Police reforms are undeniably essential to ensure public safety and enforce accountability within the law enforcement system. In many regions, policing still operates under outdated colonial structures that prioritise authority over service. This creates disconnect between the police and the public, resulting in mistrust, delayed justice and instances of misuse of power. Comprehensive reforms, such as transparent recruitment, improved training in ethics and human rights, use of modern technology and establishment of independent oversight bodies, can bridge this gap. These measures not only enhance efficiency but also instil a sense of responsibility in officers towards the communities they serve. Furthermore, accountability mechanisms like body cameras, citizen review boards and swift disciplinary actions for misconduct ensure that the power entrusted to the police is not abused. Thus, meaningful police reforms are not merely desirable but imperative for strengthening democracy, protecting citizens’ rights, and fostering mutual trust between the public and the protectors of law. Preetpal Singh Chhina

Focus on conflict or issue solving

Yes, police reforms are absolutely necessary to strengthen public safety and ensure accountability within law enforcement. Challenges such as lack of transparency, outdated training methods often weaken public trust and one of the main reason is political interference. Meaningful reform should focus on modern training in areas like human rights, mental health response, and conflict or issue solving. There should also be independent mechanisms to check misconduct fairly and transparently. In many countries the introduction of body cameras, better record-keeping and community and moral policing is must which must be implemented here which can help bridge the gap between public and law enforcement with more trust and transparency. True public safety can only be achieved when public trust that the police serve the law — not power or prejudice. Reform is not about weakening the police, but about empowering them to serve society more effectively and ethically. They must serve without any political interference and if they do so they must be held accountable as per the law. Kanwar Bikram Chabhal

DIG’s case outlines need for reforms

Police reforms are needed in Punjab to address issues like corruption, discrimination and the outdated colonial-era Police Act of 1861, and to foster a more modern and accountable system. With recent case of DIG Bhullar and other such key cases outline need for reforms, include implementing a more professional system with civilian experts, enhancing community policing and scientific investigation, and amending laws like the Police Act of 1861 to improve accountability and transparency. Ekta Sharma

Need for impactful, not cosmetic reforms

There are concerns about corruption and the influence of caste identity within the police force, which needs to be addressed to ensure fair treatment and public trust. The recent high-profile cases have stressed on the need for not cosmetic but impactful, result-oriented reforms. Reforms are essential to create a more accountable system that serves the community effectively and fosters mutual respect between the public and law enforcement. Varun Kumar

Current police act must be amended

In view of current needs, the Punjab Police Act, 2007 must be amended and implemented more effectively. The State Security Commission is still absent in the state and should be established to ensure that overall police operations are transparent, accountable, and efficient. The Police Establishment Board must function independently and remain free from political influence while handling transfers and promotions. Law enforcement capacity should be expanded in line with current population trends and crime data, including the growing challenge of cybercrime. Police officers must be held accountable for their actions; if they violate laws or regulations, they should face criminal charges like any other citizen. Furthermore, civil lawsuits should be filed in cases of police brutality to ensure justice and fair compensation for victims. MK Sharma

Build trust between citizens & police

Yes, police reforms are absolutely necessary to ensure public safety and accountability. Modern societies require transparent, community-oriented policing that builds trust between citizens and law enforcement. Without proper checks and balances, misuse of power can go unchecked, eroding public confidence. Recent arrest of a DIG rank officer in corruption is testimony to it. Reforms such as body cameras, independent oversight committees and mandatory human rights training can help reduce instances of brutality or corruption. Additionally, fair recruitment and mental health support for officers can improve their decision-making under stress. Ultimately, accountability and professionalism in policing safeguard both citizens and honest officers, making communities safer and more just. Prince Bhardwaj

Establish citizen review boards

Police reforms are vital in today’s democratic framework. Law enforcement officers hold immense power and with that comes the responsibility of exercising it justly. Reforms can help ensure that policing is unbiased, transparent and rooted in public service rather than intimidation. Introducing better training in conflict resolution, ethics and sensitivity towards marginalised groups is essential. Moreover, mechanisms like citizen review boards and strict disciplinary actions for misconduct enhance accountability. Public safety cannot thrive where fear of the police outweighs trust in them. Reforms therefore strengthen democracy and protect both the governed and those who govern. Pawan Chaudhry

Equip officers with ethical training

Reforming the police system is essential to align law enforcement practices with human rights and public trust. Many cases of abuse, discrimination and negligence highlight deep-rooted structural problems within policing institutions. To ensure true public safety, reforms must emphasise transparency, accountability and community engagement. Independent investigations into misconduct, fair promotion systems and the use of technology for monitoring operations can bring credibility back to policing. Equipping officers with ethical training and mental health support also improves their ability to serve effectively. Thus, police reforms not only protect citizens but also elevate the integrity of the entire justice system. Vijay Kumar

Growing trust deficit among citizens

Police reforms are the key to improving the existing policing system, which currently lacks transparency, accountability and an effective mechanism to control the rising crime rate in society. There is a growing trust deficit among citizens regarding police practices and operational methods. The police have also failed to adequately address gender-based crimes. Incidents of extortion, looting, theft, and snatching are on the rise, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the Commissionerate system in the holy city. The colonial-era policing model urgently needs to be replaced with community policing, which promotes public safety and strengthens the relationship between the police and citizens to foster trust. Comprehensive police reforms, supported by modern technology and improved infrastructure, are essential to enhance the force’s efficiency, especially in tackling emerging threats such as cybercrime. Regular training and capacity-building programmes should ensure that officers remain equipped with the latest technological methods to stay ahead of criminals using advanced tactics. Finally, accountability of police officers for their actions must be ensured so that no injustice is done to citizens. True justice and public confidence can only be achieved through thorough and sustained police reforms. Anil Vinayak

Political interference must be curtailed

The real problem lies in political interference within the police administration. Politicians often dictate policies that serve their own political motives. With every change in government, the incumbent Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) are frequently replaced to appoint officers of the ruling party’s choice, thereby politicising both the bureaucracy and the police administration. This trend extends down to the district level, where DSPs and Station House Officers (SHOs) are often appointed based on the preferences of local legislators. Such practices completely erode the neutrality of the police force. It is widely observed that FIRs are registered against opposition workers, while members of the ruling party are given a free hand, creating deep divisions and hostility among citizens. Unfortunately, this issue is not confined to any single political party as it is a common practice across the political spectrum and it runs contrary to the spirit of the Constitution. The politicisation of bureaucracy and police administration has become the biggest obstacle to justice for citizens, regardless of their political affiliation. This unhealthy trend has turned into a chronic ailment of governance and it must be eliminated if any government genuinely intends to streamline the administrative and policing systems. The priority of every ruling party should be to ensure the smooth, impartial, and constitutional functioning of bureaucratic and police institutions. Only then can the public receive justice and their rightful services. Once political interference is curtailed, true reforms will naturally follow, bringing relief to the common citizen and long-term stability to any government that upholds such a fair and judicious system. Principal Kulwant Singh Ankhi

Policing beyond fear-based control

Yes, police reforms are essential to build public trust and strengthen law enforcement. Accountability, transparency and professional training must form the core of these reforms. Modern policing should move beyond fear-based control to community-based cooperation. Use of technology such as body cameras, citizen feedback systems, and digital recordkeeping can ensure both efficiency and fairness. Regular psychological evaluation, sensitivity training, and strict action against misuse of power will restore public confidence. True reform lies not only in changing laws, but also in changing the mindset — from authority to service. Sameer Jain

Take help of AI to improve efficiency

Police must take help of artificial intelligence and CCTVs to improve efficiency of force. The holy city Amritsar needs minimum one lakh CCTVs to control crime and create a sense of fear and relief amongst public and even police force with time bound implementation. Kamal Dalmia

Amritsar