June 12 – The need for "smart policing" has become more crucial than ever, as changing crime patterns and technological advancements demand a proactive, well-equipped, and politically independent police force. In the case of Himachal Pradesh, recent developments highlight both the achievements and the gaps within the police system, sparking discussion on the need for comprehensive reforms.
India’s police system operates under a mix of state and central laws, including the Indian Police Act of 1861 and, in the case of Himachal Pradesh, the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, 2007. The law mandates that every police officer perform their duties to the best of their ability. Yet, recent discord among senior police officials in the state has raised concerns regarding internal coordination and the overall health of the force.
Currently, Himachal Pradesh allocates about 1.9% of its state budget to policing. As of May 2025, the state has 135 police stations and a total force of over 15,100 personnel, including 89 IPS officers, 169 state police service officers, and over 16,000 non-gazetted officers. Despite these numbers, a recent performance ranking among seven smaller Indian states placed Himachal Police in the sixth position — indicating significant room for improvement.
The role of the police has evolved. From maintaining law and order to tackling cybercrime, narcotics, and terrorism, modern-day police officers must now be trained in advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and forensic tools. However, issues like delayed response times, fuel shortages, lack of mobility, and bureaucratic hurdles continue to plague day-to-day operations. In some cases, the police are accused of negligence or attempts to dismiss complaints informally.
For India to ensure internal security and peace, both central and state governments must accelerate police reforms. This includes increasing force strength, enhancing budget allocations, and upgrading infrastructure — such as patrol vehicles, dog squads, and special task forces. Inspired by Western nations, India too must embrace a modern model of policing rooted in accountability, professionalism, and public trust.
In Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called for urgent modernization of the police force to meet evolving challenges. He emphasized the use of artificial intelligence and modern software tools as part of the policing strategy.
Many police stations across the state still face shortages in proportion to local population needs. Experts suggest restructuring based on population density, crime rates, and tourism traffic. This would help deploy resources more efficiently and ensure adequate staffing and infrastructure.
Equally important is the welfare of police personnel. Authorities must offer reasonable working hours, competitive salaries, housing, and allowances. Regular station maintenance and provisioning of necessary supplies are essential for operational readiness.
The police uniform is a symbol of commitment, dedication, and responsibility. Officers must uphold laws, protect civil liberties, manage traffic, and maintain peace — all while operating within constitutional and ethical boundaries. Most importantly, political interference in policing must be eliminated, and officers must be granted the autonomy needed to serve the public fearlessly and fairly.
As Himachal Pradesh moves forward, adopting a smart policing framework is not just desirable — it is essential. The state government must now take bold and corrective steps to modernize the police force, ensuring that law enforcement remains both just and future-ready.