The Home Minister, speaking at the 50th foundation day of Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), emphasized the importance of modernising the police department. He urged security personnel to undertake their duties with a sense of responsibility.
The Home Minister’s Key Announcements: Forging the Future of Indian Policing
During the event, the Home Minister elaborated on several key initiatives that are to be implemented. The establishment of a national-level Police University and a Forensic Science University received special mention. These proposed institutions are intended to provide specialised education and training that can enhance the efficiency of our police force.
The Home Minister also highlighted the need for reform in the Correctional Administration and Prison Reforms. He suggested a paradigm shift from punitive measures to a reformative approach where these establishments serve as rehabilitative centres.
Proposed Legal Changes: An Updated Approach to Law Enforcement
Attention was drawn to the necessity for a comprehensive review and subsequent changes to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The proposed modifications are aimed at reflecting current societal needs and requirements.
One of the critical areas identified for strengthening is human intelligence, also known as the Khabri System, at the ‘Thana’ level. It was stressed that the police machinery should discard outdated third-degree methods and adopt a scientific investigation approach instead.
| Key Proposal | Objective |
|---|---|
| National-Level Police University | Provide specialised education and training |
| Reform in Correctional Administration and Prison Reforms | Transition from punitive to rehabilitative centres |
| Review of IPC and CrPC | Updates to match present-day requirements |
| Strengthening Human Intelligence | Modernise law enforcement methods |
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D): An Overview
The Government of India established the BPR&D under the Ministry of Home Affairs in the 1970s to replace the Police Research and Advisory Council (1966) with a primary objective of advancing the modernization of the police force.
In 1995, the Government decided to delegate matters related to Correctional Administration work to the BPR&D, thereby giving it the additional task of overseeing the implementation of prison reforms.
Further, the Government decided to create National Police Mission under the administrative control of BPR&D. The mission was intended to serve as a transformative initiative for the police forces in the country. These efforts underline the Government’s intention to continuously evolve and adapt the nation’s police force structure to meet the dynamic needs of society.
