Raipur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed the urgent need to change public perception about the police. Addressing the 60th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspectors General of Police in Raipur, PM Modi also stressed the importance of setting up mechanisms for regular monitoring of proscribed organisations, ensuring holistic development of areas free from Left Wing Extremism and adopting innovative models to strengthen coastal security.
PM Modi asked state and union territory police forces to adopt new strategies to connect isolated islands, make more effective use of data linked under NetGrid, and use artificial intelligence to gather actionable information.
An official statement issued at the conclusion of the three-day conference said, “The Prime Minister stressed the urgent need for a change in public perception, especially among the youth, about the police, which requires enhancing professional competence and sensitivity and strengthening urban and tourism policing.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of State for Home and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Union Home Secretary and others participated in this conference organized on the theme “Developed India: Security Dimensions”. PM Modi underlined the need to strengthen urban policing, revive tourist police units and raise public awareness about the newly-enacted Indian Justice Code, Indian Evidence Act and Indian Civil Defense Code, which replaced colonial-era criminal laws.
He also talked about encouraging universities and educational institutions to conduct ‘case studies’ on the use of forensics in police investigations. He said that widespread use of forensic techniques can significantly strengthen the criminal justice system. The Prime Minister said that tackling drug abuse requires a whole-of-government approach, integrating enforcement, rehabilitation and community level intervention.
There were in-depth discussions on various matters related to national security in the conference. The statement said discussions were held on long-term action plan for policing for Vision 2047, emerging trends against terrorism and radicalisation, leveraging technology to enhance women’s safety, strategy to bring back Indian fugitives based abroad and strengthening forensic capabilities to ensure effective investigation and prosecution.
Highlighting the need for stronger preparedness and coordination during natural disasters, PM Modi asked police chiefs to strengthen disaster management mechanisms to deal with cyclones, floods and other emergencies, including the current impact of cyclone ‘Ditwa’. He said that proactive planning, immediate coordination, rapid response and a holistic government approach are necessary to ensure minimum disruption and protection of lives during such incidents.
The Prime Minister called upon the police chiefs to reorganize the policing system to meet the aspirations of the developing nation, so that it can be on the path to becoming a ‘developed India’. PM Modi distributed President’s Police Medal for distinguished service to Intelligence Bureau officers at the conference.
He also presented awards to three best performing cities in urban policing, an award instituted for the first time to encourage innovation and reform in urban policing. Director Generals of Police and Inspector General of Police of all States and Union Territories, as well as heads of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and central police organizations participated physically, while more than 700 officers of various ranks from across the country joined the conference through digital medium.
