Trust deficit between citizens, cops mutual: Study

BENGALURU: Three years into its community policing initiative, Bengaluru Police has made little or no inroads into the hearts of Bengalureans. Sample this: When faced with a threat, most citizens call neighbours or friends first and not the police, a study has revealed.

The Security Perception Index study was carried out by urban governance nonprofit Janaagraha to assess the effectiveness of the community policing initiative, which was launched in June 2013 jointly by the Bengaluru City Police and Janaagraha in Jnanabharathi, Banasawadi, Yelahanka, JP Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Madiwala and Rajagopal Nagar police stations. The study surveyed 329 policemen from the seven stations, 214 citizen volunteers (area suraksha mitras) and 768 citizens living in the jurisdiction of these police stations.

Only 40% citizens said they would call the police first for help while 57% said they would call their immediate neigh bours or relativesfriends. To another question, 78% citizens said they have “never“ approached the police with suggestions on safety and security. Further, 45% citizens felt it was necessary for them to have connections to powerful people in order to get the police to do their job.


Only 45% policemen from the seven stations said citizens are cooperative. Only 28% policemen said they conduct frequent door-to-door visits, which experts feel is the key to improving relations with citizens. Nearly half of them do not interact with resident welfare associations, the study revealed.

“Let's face it. When a police constable visits a household to enquire about citizens' well-being, he is more likely to be viewed with suspicion. This can be over come by sustained, friendly policing,“ said retired DG&IGP ST Ramesh, who is a member of the community policing advisory group. “Policemen also have to become more optimistic.“

Most policemen from the seven stations, as well as citizens in their jurisdiction, feel crimes have increased in the city. In fact, 83% policemen said they do not have enough resources to carry out daily activities. Lack of resources was the top reason they cited for the perceived increase in crime, followed by population rise, failure of people to cooperate, interference by powerful people and ineffective laws.

“While there is something positive happening, the study also shows that a deeper engagement with people is needed,“ said Maj Gen (retired) KR Prasad, who heads community policing at Janaagraha. “Going forward, we want to have more beat-level awareness and doorto-door visits.“

Community policing has resulted in more police stations adopting it. “It's the most practical and appropriate way of policing, keeping citizens at the centre.This is true democracy in action,“ Ramesh added.