The government of Karnataka has established three specialized committees to evaluate the operations of the state police department. These committees will assess service delivery, propose modernization strategies to tackle new forms of crime and technology, and recommend improvements to the recruitment and organizational structure within the police force to align with future demands.
The committees, chaired by retired directors-general of police (DGPs) R K Dutta, M N Reddy, and Kamal Pant, are expected to provide their recommendations within a two-month timeframe.
One committee will concentrate on the relationship between the police and the public, as well as the overall effectiveness of police services. Another group will develop a strategic plan for modernizing the police department, which will involve the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), enhancements in cyber capabilities, emergency response services, the 112 helpline system, forensic resources, communication systems, and digitalization efforts. The third committee will focus on the department’s authorized personnel strength, organizational structure, recruitment protocols, and the creation and reclassification of job positions, along with pathways for career advancement.
The committee led by R K Dutta will conduct a thorough assessment of the services the police provide to the public, including the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs), receipt of complaints, the operation of police stations, emergency response protocols, reporting lost property, handling cybercrime complaints, issuing permits and certificates, and delivering both online and in-person services. This review will aim to determine the accessibility, timeliness, and efficiency of these services, while identifying any institutional or technological shortcomings that hinder their delivery.
Additionally, the committee will explore ways to enhance community policing initiatives, such as beat policing and fostering regular communication between police officers and community members. The evaluation will also include an assessment of the facilities and resources available at police stations, taking into account staffing needs relative to population size and service demands.
Another aspect of the committee’s mandate is to investigate the operational challenges faced by police personnel. It will propose institutional and technological improvements to streamline internal processes and enhance service delivery.
The committee has been tasked with recommending key performance indicators (KPIs) and establishing a review framework for ongoing assessment of police services. It will also consider the development of a Citizen Charter that outlines available services, the procedures for accessing them, and the expected timeframes for their delivery.
The members of this committee include Additional DGP R Hithendra, Prabhu Raj from the DGP’s office, Dr. Sanjeev M Patil from the Law and Order division, and Mohammed M Sujeeth from the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner’s office.
The second committee, led by retired DGP M N Reddy, will formulate a comprehensive plan for modernizing the police department. This review will address emergency response mechanisms, police control centers, the 112 emergency service, forensic laboratories, police vehicles, and other mobility needs. The committee will also evaluate the department’s capabilities in cybercrime, communication infrastructure, hardware necessities, and the digitalization of police operations.
A significant component of this committee’s work will be to explore the application of AI in policing. It will investigate how emerging technologies and AI-driven systems can be integrated into police functions, alongside other contemporary tools for managing law enforcement.
The committee will also assess the necessity of establishing or enhancing police training academies at both state and regional levels and will review housing and welfare provisions for police personnel.
Rather than viewing modernization as a one-off procurement initiative, this committee will be responsible for devising a phased implementation plan that prioritizes immediate needs while considering long-term technological and infrastructure goals.
Its members include Additional DGP S Murugan, Lokayukta Police IGP A Subrahmanyeshwara Rao, DIG Divya V Gopinath, and Superintendent of Police C B Rishyant.
The third committee, overseen by retired DGP Kamal Pant, will evaluate the alignment of the police department’s workforce and organizational structure with its current and anticipated responsibilities.
This panel will review the authorized personnel count, the classification and number of positions, and the processes and criteria for recruitment. It will determine whether new job categories need to be established and whether existing positions require reclassification.
The committee will also look into the balance between direct hiring and promotions, consider reservation-related needs, assess training and professional development opportunities, and explore pathways for career advancement.
Furthermore, the committee will evaluate roles designated for drivers and other lower-tier employees as part of a broader human resource analysis. Its members include Additional DGP Soumendu Mukherjee, Economic Offences IGP Chetan Singh Rathod, and Bengaluru City Administration Joint Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Kumar R Jain.
These reviews are particularly timely as the state government is contemplating a comprehensive restructuring of its policing framework, especially within Bengaluru. The proposal includes splitting the city police commissionerate into five separate commissionerates and creating additional positions, making it essential to address issues related to manpower, infrastructure, command structures, and specialized policing capabilities.
Simultaneously, discussions are underway regarding the development of an urban policing innovation strategy aimed at creating technology-driven solutions for law enforcement. Efforts are also being made to enhance cooperation between police and transportation departments to improve traffic management and urban mobility. This integration of technology and data across various agencies underscores a shift towards viewing policing as part of a larger urban governance framework.
Karnataka’s Home Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized that modernization should encompass not only equipment acquisition but also advancements in technology, human resources, training, infrastructure, communication systems, and services for citizens.
