The findings from a recent study on the ‘Status of Policing in India Report’ conducted by Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in collaboration with Common Cause shed light on this grim reality.The study, which analysed responses from 8,276 police personnel across 82 locations in 17 States including Delhi .
Relevance : GS 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity)
General Acceptance of Violence
- 63% of police personnel believe it’s acceptable to use violenceagainstsuspects of seriousoffences for societal good.
- 22% strongly agreed.
- 41% moderately agreed.
- Only 35% opposed the idea of using violence, showing systemic approval across ranks.
Support for Torture Across Crime Types
- 42% strongly supported torture in national security/terrorism cases.
- 34% strongly supported torture in rape, sexual assault, and murder cases.
- 28% strongly supported using torture against history sheeters.
Acceptance of Coercive Tactics
- In minor offences (like theft):
- 49% justify verbal abuse/threats.
- 32% justify slapping.
- 9% justify third-degree methods.
- In serious crimes (like rape/murder):
- 55% justify verbal abuse/threats.
- 50% justify slapping.
- 30% justify third-degree methods.
Frequency of Coercive Practices
- Threats:
- 26% say suspects are often threatened.
- 34% say it happens sometimes.
- Slapping/light force:
- 18% say it is common.
- 28% say it happens occasionally.
- Third-degree methods:
- 10% say it occurs often.
- 16% say it happens sometimes.
- 1 in 3 officers report frequent use of coercive tactics in investigations.
Views on Mandatory Reporting
- ~40% support mandatory reporting of custodial torture.
- Another ~40% support mandatory reporting only in some cases.
- ~10% say it should never be mandatory.
- Lower-rank officers are more supportive of mandatory reporting than senior officers.
Willingness to Report Senior Officers
- Over 40% of police strongly agreed that juniors would report seniors if given legal protection.
- 36% moderately agreed—indicating that protection and institutional backing are key factors.
Key Takeaways
- There is deep-rooted normalization of custodial torture and coercive methods in Indian policing.
- Even in minor cases, a significant share of personnel justify violent tactics.
- Systemic and cultural factors, like rank hierarchy and peer support, play a role in discouraging accountability.
- Structural reforms and legal safeguards are essential to change these entrenched attitudes.
