ENGLISH INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

TOPIC: CRIMINALISATION
AND POLICE SYSTEM IN
INDIA

An Investigatory Project by
Name: S. vishali
Class: XII
CBSE Roll No:
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

While bringing out the project to its final form, I came across a
number of people whose contributions in various ways helped
my field of research and they deserve special thanks. It is a
pleasure to convey my gratitude to all of them.
First and foremost, I place my sincere thanks to my English
Teacher Mr. Vivek.A , for his guidance, welcoming attitude,
support and advices to complete my work successfully. Above
all, his priceless and meticulous supervision at each and every
phase of work inspired me in innumerable ways.
I also thank my school and the management for providing me
all the facilities to finish the project on time. They fostered a
creative and productive environment, leading to the successful
completion of this project.

A special acknowledgement goes to our correspondent Rev. Fr.

A. Velankanni and our principal Rev. Sr. Julie stella who gave
me the golden opportunity.
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that , student of class XII has

successfully completed the investigatory project on the
topic: Criminalisation and police system in India under
guidance of Mr. Vivek. A during the year 2024-25 in
partial fulfilment of English practical examination
conducted by

Internal examiner External examiner

Name: Name:
Sign: Sign:
CONTENT

1. Introduction to Criminalisation and the Police System

2. The Evolution of the Indian Police Force
3. Defining Criminalisation in the Indian Context
4. Key Factors Contributing to Criminalisation in India
5. Types of Crimes and Their Impact on Society
6. The Role of the Police in Law Enforcement
7. Challenges Faced by the Indian Police Force
8. Police Corruption: A Growing Concern
9. The Relationship Between Police and Politicians
10. Over-policing vs. Under-policing in India
11. Human Rights Violations in Policing: A Critical Analysis
12. The Judicial System’s Role in Addressing Criminalisation
13. Community Policing: A Solution to Crime or a Myth?
14. Case Studies of Police Brutality and Reform
15. The Role of Technology in Crime Prevention and Policing
16. Police Reforms: Proposed Changes and Challenges
17. The Impact of Criminalisation on Marginalised Communities
18. Conclusion: Towards a Just and Efficient Police System
 INTRODUCTION

CRIMINALISATION AND POLICE SYSTEM

public engagement. India's criminalisation and policing system has its roots in
the colonial era. The Indian Penal Code (IPC), enacted in 1860, and the Police
Act of 1861 formed the backbone of India's legal and policing frameworks.
These systems were initially designed by the British to maintain law and order,
primarily to safeguard their rule rather than serve the people.

Post-independence, India retained much of the colonial legal structure,

adapting it to suit its democratic and federal setup. The police force operates
under the dual control of the state and central governments, ensuring that law
enforcement addresses both local and national issues. Despite constitutional
provisions for justice and equality, the criminal justice system faces criticism for
inefficiency, corruption, and political interference.

Criminalisation has been a growing concern, particularly in politics, with an

increasing number of individuals with criminal records entering public office.
This phenomenon undermines public trust in governance and highlights the
need for systemic reforms. On the policing front, challenges such as inadequate
training, understaffing, and outdated practices hinder effective law
enforcement.

Efforts to modernize the police system and decriminalize governance are

ongoing. Initiatives like community policing, technological integration, and
judicial reforms aim to align India’s criminal justice system with its
constitutional ideals of fairness and accountability. However, achieving these
goals requires sustained political will, resource allocation, and active
THE EVOLUTION OF THE INDIA IN POLICE
FORCE
• Ancient Period: Policing in ancient India was community-based, with local leaders and
village elders maintaining law and order. The concept of "Dandadhara" (law enforcement)
was prominent in texts like Arthashastra by Chanakya.

• Medieval Period: During the Mughal era, policing was organized under Kotwals, responsible
for maintaining peace in towns and cities. Military-style policing was used to suppress
rebellions and enforce royal decrees.

• Colonial Era: The British East India Company introduced a structured police force to serve
colonial interests. The Police Act of 1861 was enacted post-1857 Revolt, creating a
centralized, hierarchical force .The system was designed for control rather than public
welfare, with widespread use of force.

• Post-Independence Changes: India retained the colonial Police Act of 1861 but adapted the
force to democratic principles. States were given control over police departments, ensuring
localized governance .Emphasis shifted toward community policing and upholding citizens'
rights.
 DEFINING CRIMINALISATION IN THE
INDIAN CONTEXT

• Criminalisation in the Indian context refers to the growing involvement of individuals with
criminal backgrounds in various aspects of public life, particularly politics and governance.
• It reflects the increasing influence of crime and illegal activities on political, social, and
economic systems.
• A significant aspect of criminalisation is the presence of politicians with pending criminal cases,
including charges of corruption, violence, and other serious offenses.
• Criminalisation undermines the democratic process as it allows individuals with questionable
integrity to occupy positions of power.
• The judiciary and law enforcement agencies are often criticized for delayed trials and inefficient
investigations, further enabling criminalisation.
• Societal factors such as poverty, illiteracy, and lack of awareness contribute to the normalization
of criminal elements in public life.

▪ The nexus between criminals, politicians, and bureaucrats exacerbates

corruption and weakens governance structures.
▪ Electoral practices like vote-buying and caste-based politics often perpetuate
the cycle of criminalisation.
▪ Criminalisation erodes public trust in institutions, creating challenges for
maintaining law and order and ensuring justice.
▪ Addressing this issue requires judicial reforms, stricter law enforcement,
transparent governance, and active civic participation.
 KEY FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO
CRIMINALISATION IN INDIA

• Nexus Between Politics and Crime:

Criminals often enter politics to gain immunity from prosecution and
use political power to further illegal activities. Political parties , in
turn, rely on these individuals for funding and muscle power during
elections.

• Delays in Judicial Processes:

Slow trials and a backlog of cases in Indian courts enable individuals
with criminal charges to contest elections and hold public office.

• Weak Law Enforcement:

Lack of stringent law enforcement and investigative inefficiencies fail
to deter criminal activities, allowing criminals to thrive in public life.

o Corruption in Governance :
• Socio-economic challenges make people more susceptible to
manipulation by criminal politicians who promise short-term
benefits.

o Poverty and Illiteracy:

• Socio-economic challenges make people more susceptible to
manipulation by criminal politicians who promise short-term
benefits.
TYPES OF CRIMES AND THEIR IMPACT ON
SOCIETY
TYPES OF CRIMES
• Violent Crimes:
Includes murder, assault, domestic violence, and kidnapping. Creates fear and
insecurity in communities, disrupts families, and leads to loss of life and
property.
• Property Crimes:
Theft, burglary, vandalism, and arson. Results in financial losses for
individuals and businesses and decreases the sense of security.
• Cybercrimes:
Hacking, identity theft, cyberbullying, and online fraud. Undermines trust in
digital systems, causes financial and emotional distress, and threatens data
privacy.
• White-Collar Crimes:
Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and corruption. Erodes public trust in
institutions, disrupts economic stability, and widens social inequalities.
• Hate Crimes:
Crimes motivated by race, religion, caste, or gender. Deepens societal divisions,
fosters discrimination, and threatens harmony.
• Terrorism:
Acts of violence to instill fear and achieve ideological goals. Destabilizes
nations, causes mass casualties, and disrupts economic and social structures.

SOCIAL IMPACT
• Psychological Impact:
Increases fear, anxiety, and mental health issues among citizens.
• Economic Impact:
Strains public resources and reduces economic growth.
• Social Harmony:
Weakens trust among communities and undermines societal cohesion.
• Justice System:
Overburdens law enforcement and judiciary, delaying justice.
 THE ROLE OF THE POLICE IN LAW
ENFORCEMENT

• Maintaining Law and Order:

The police are primarily responsible for maintaining peace and
preventing disturbances in society .They handle situations like riots,
protests, and communal conflicts to ensure public safety.
• Preventing Crime:
The police work proactively to deter criminal activities through
patrolling, surveillance, and community engagement. Initiatives like
neighborhood policing and awareness campaigns help reduce crime
rates.
• Investigation of Crimes:
Police investigate crimes by collecting evidence, interrogating suspects,
and preparing cases for prosecution. Their efforts are crucial in
ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
• Protecting Life and Property:
Police provide security to citizens and protect public and private
properties from threats like theft, vandalism, and arson.
 CHALLENGES FACED BY THE INDIAN
POLICE FORCE
• Understaffing:
The police-to-population ratio in India is lower than international
standards, leading to overburdened personnel and inefficient
operations.
• Outdated Infrastructure:
Many police stations lack modern facilities, technology, and
equipment needed for effective law enforcement and investigations.
• Inadequate Training:
Police personnel often receive insufficient or outdated training,
impacting their ability to handle complex crimes like cybercrimes or
terrorism.
• Low Morale and Job Stress:
Long working hours, low pay, and lack of career progression
contribute to poor morale and high stress among police personnel.
• Political Interference:
Frequent interference by political leaders compromises the
independence and effectiveness of the police force.
• Corruption:
Instances of bribery, favoritism, and unethical practices undermine
public trust and the credibility of the police.
• Public Distrust:
Negative perceptions due to police misconduct and lack of
accountability lead to strained relationships with communities.
 POLICE CORRUPTION :A GROWING
CONCERN
1. Definition of Police Corruption
Police corruption refers to unethical or illegal behavior by law enforcement officers, including bribery,
abuse of power, and misconduct.

2. Types of Police Corruption

• Bribery: Officers accepting money or gifts for overlooking crimes.
• Excessive Use of Force: Unjustified violence against civilians.
• Falsifying Evidence: Manipulating or planting evidence to convict innocent people.
• Drug Trafficking & Smuggling: Involvement in illegal trade or facilitating it.

3. Causes of Police Corruption

• Lack of Accountability: Weak internal systems and oversight.
• Culture of Silence: Officers protecting each other due to camaraderie or fear of retaliation.
• Low Pay & Economic Hardships: Officers tempted to supplement income through illicit
activities.
• Power Imbalance: Abuse of authority due to unchecked power in certain situations.

4. Impact on Society
• Erosion of Public Trust: Deteriorates the relationship between law enforcement and the
community.
• Injustice & Inequality: Leads to unfair treatment, especially against marginalized groups.
• Increase in Crime: Corrupt officers may actively enable or ignore criminal activity.
• Political Corruption: Police corruption can extend to political figures benefiting from unlawful
actions.

5. High-Profile Cases of Police Corruption

Examples of corruption scandals worldwide that have eroded public trust in law enforcement.
 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLICE
AND POLITICIANS
1. Interdependence and Collaboration
• Law and Order: Politicians rely on police forces to maintain law and order, ensuring public
safety and stability.
• Political Influence: Police often depend on political leaders for funding, resources, and
support in the implementation of their duties.
• Policy Implementation: Politicians make laws, while police enforce them, creating a dynamic
where both are linked in governance.

2. Mutual Benefits
• Political Support for Police: Politicians may provide political backing to police forces,
protecting them from scrutiny or pressure.
• Law Enforcement’s Influence on Politics: Police officers or unions can have political
influence, especially in lobbying for policies that benefit them, such as pay increases or
favorable laws.
• Shared Goals: Both aim to ensure public safety, reduce crime, and create a stable society, which
can create alignment between the two.

3. Conflicts of Interest
• Accountability Issues: When police are politically aligned, they may avoid investigating or
prosecuting politicians and their associates, leading to a lack of accountability.
• Bias in Law Enforcement: Police forces may develop political biases, selectively enforcing laws
based on the interests of political parties or figures.
 OVER POLICING VS UNDER POLICING IN
INDIA
1. OVER POLICING IN INDIA
Definition: Over-policing refers to excessive or intrusive law enforcement in certain areas, often
leading to the violation of civil liberties and human rights.

Key Aspects of Over-Policing:

• High Police Presence in Certain Areas
• Aggressive Policing of Minor Offenses
• Targeting Vulnerable Communities
• Excessive Use of Force
• Impact on Trust

Consequences:
• Increased Tensions
• Stifling Free Expression
• Negative Psychological Impact

2. UNDER POLICING IN INDIA

Definition: Under-policing occurs when law enforcement is insufficient or ineffective in addressing
crime, maintaining law and order, or protecting citizens, especially in high-risk or neglected areas.

Key Aspects of Under-Policing:

• Lack of Resources
• Neglect of Serious Crimes
• Limited Police Presence
• Inequality in Policing
• Corruption and Inefficiency

Consequences:
• Rise in Crime Rates
• Lack of Public Confidence
• Delayed Justice
 HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN
POLICING:A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

1. Introduction
• Human Rights and Policing: Policing plays a critical role in maintaining public safety, but
when law enforcement officers violate fundamental human rights, it undermines public trust
and the rule of law.
• Human Rights Violations: These include any actions by police that infringe upon an
individual’s basic rights, such as freedom from torture, the right to life, freedom of expression,
and the right to a fair trial.

2. Types of Human Rights Violations in Policing

A. Use of Excessive Force:
• Police Brutality: The excessive or unnecessary use of physical force, especially during arrests,
protests, or crowd control situations, leading to injuries or even fatalities.
• Case Examples: Instances of police officers using batons, firearms, or other weapons to control
unarmed civilians, particularly during peaceful protests.
• Consequences: Violation of the right to life, dignity, and freedom from torture.

B. Torture and Inhumane Treatment:

• Custodial Torture: The practice of police subjecting detainees to physical or psychological
abuse, often to extract confessions or intimidate.
• Types of Torture: Beatings, electrocution, waterboarding, and solitary confinement.
• Consequences: Violation of the right to be free from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
 THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM'S ROLE IN
ADDRESSING CRIMINALISATION

1. Introduction
• Criminalization: The process by which certain behaviors or actions are defined and treated as
crimes under law. In many cases, criminalization can be influenced by social, political, or
economic factors, potentially leading to systemic issues such as bias, injustice, or wrongful
convictions.
• Judicial System’s Role: The judiciary is a critical component in addressing criminalization,
ensuring that the rule of law is upheld, and that justice is served impartially, based on fair
procedures and constitutional rights.

2. Defining Criminalization and Its Impacts

• Social and Political Influences: Criminalization often reflects societal attitudes, prejudices,
and power structures, and can sometimes disproportionately affect marginalized groups. For
instance, certain laws may criminalize behaviors linked to poverty, race, or political dissent.
• Over-Criminalization: Over-criminalization occurs when laws expand excessively, making
behaviors that were previously not considered criminal subject to legal penalties, leading to
higher incarceration rates, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• Under-Criminalization: Conversely, under-criminalization refers to situations where serious
crimes are not adequately addressed by the legal system, often due to political or social biases,
leaving offenders unpunished and victims without justice.

3. The Judiciary’s Role in Safeguarding Justice

Interpreting and Ensuring Fair Application of Laws:
• Checks on Unjust Laws: Courts play a vital role in interpreting laws to ensure that they align
with constitutional principles, particularly in cases where laws may lead to discriminatory
practices or unjust criminalization.
• Protection of Fundamental Rights: The judiciary is responsible for safeguarding individual
rights and freedoms, ensuring that laws do not infringe upon constitutional guarantees, such as
the right to equality and protection from arbitrary arrest and detention.
 COMMUNITY POLICING : SOLUTION TO
CRIME OR MYTH??

Introduction

• Community Policing Defined: Community policing is a strategy that seeks to build stronger
relationships between law enforcement and communities. It emphasizes proactive problem-
solving, collaboration, and community engagement to reduce crime and improve quality of life.
• Debate: While community policing is often hailed as an effective approach to crime reduction,
critics argue that it may not be the panacea for crime, raising questions about its actual impact
and sustainability.

Core Principles of Community Policing

• Collaboration: Police work in partnership with community members to identify and address
local crime and safety issues.
• Decentralization: A shift from a top-down, hierarchical approach to a more decentralized
system, empowering local officers and community members to work together.
• Problem-Solving: Focuses on identifying the root causes of crime (e.g., poverty, lack of
education, drug abuse) and addressing them through community efforts, not just through
arrests and law enforcement.
• Visibility and Trust: Police officers become more familiar with the neighborhoods they serve,
building trust and fostering cooperation between law enforcement and community members.
 CASE STUDIES OF POLICE BRUTALITY
AND REFORM

1. George Floyd (2020, USA)

Incident: George Floyd, a Black man, was killed during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when a
police officer knelt on his neck for over nine minutes despite Floyd repeatedly saying, "I can't breathe."

Impact:

• Massive global protests under the banner of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.
• Widespread calls for defunding police departments and investing in community-led safety
initiatives.
• Renewed discussions on systemic racism and police reform in the United States.

2. Sodiq Awosanya (2020, Nigeria)

Incident: The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Nigeria was implicated in the unlawful arrest and
torture of Sodiq Awosanya. SARS was accused of widespread abuse, including extortion, beatings, and
extrajudicial killings.

Impact:

• The #EndSARS movement gained momentum, leading to nationwide protests in Nigeri

• SARS was officially disbanded in October 2020, though concerns about meaningful reforms
persist.

Case Studies of Police Reform

Camden, New Jersey, USA (2013)

Reform: Camden disbanded its city police department and created a new county-level force focused on
community policing.

Outcome:

• Improved community-police relations through initiatives like foot patrols and outreach
programs.
• Significant reduction in violent crime rates over the years.
• Camden became a model for police reform in other cities.
 THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN CRIME
PREVENTION AND POLICING

1. Crime Prevention
Predictive Analytics
Description: Machine learning algorithms analyze historical crime data to predict where crimes are
likely to occur, allowing law enforcement to allocate resources strategically.

Example: PredPol, a predictive policing tool, helps identify high-risk areas for theft, burglary, or
violence.

Concerns: Potential bias in data can perpetuate systemic inequities.

Surveillance Systems
Role: Advanced surveillance cameras equipped with facial recognition, motion detection, and real-time
monitoring deter criminal activity.

Example: London’s extensive CCTV network has contributed to crime reduction and case solving.

Concerns: Raises privacy and civil liberties issues.

Cybersecurity Tools
Role: Protecting against cybercrimes such as identity theft, hacking, and fraud.
Example: Governments and corporations deploy firewalls, encryption, and AI-based intrusion
detection systems.
 POLICE REFORMS : PROPOSED CHANGES
AND CHALLENGES

Proposed Police Reforms

1. Community Policing

• Building relationships between police and communities to foster trust and collaboration.
• Officers engage with local residents to understand community concerns and prevent crime.

2. De-escalation Training

• Training officers to manage situations without resorting to force, focusing on negotiation and
empathy.
• Emphasis on reducing use-of-force incidents, particularly in mental health crises.

Challenges in Implementing Police Reforms

1. Resistance to Change

• Institutional inertia and opposition from police unions can hinder reform efforts.
• Fear among officers that reforms undermine their authority or safety.

2. Public Perception

• Divided public opinion on issues like defunding the police or demilitarization.

• Concerns about increased crime in areas with fewer police resources.
 THE IMPACT OF CRIMINALISATION ON
MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES

The criminalization of marginalized communities refers to systemic practices and policies that
disproportionately target, surveil, and punish individuals from disadvantaged social groups. These
practices are deeply rooted in historical, economic, and political inequalities, and they perpetuate cycles
of poverty, discrimination, and exclusion. Below is an exploration of the impacts of criminalization on
marginalized communities.

1. Disproportionate Targeting and Surveillance

Impact

Over-policing: Marginalized communities, including racial, ethnic, or caste minorities, are more likely
to be subjected to police patrols, stop-and-frisk tactics, and arrests.

Example: In the U.S., African Americans are disproportionately stopped and frisked compared to white
Americans. In India, Dalits and Adivasis often face heightened scrutiny from law enforcement.

Increased Arrest Rates: Biases lead to higher arrest rates for minor offenses, such as loitering or
substance possession, in marginalized areas.

Consequences

• Creates a climate of fear and distrust toward law enforcement.

• Perpetuates the stereotype of marginalized communities being inherently criminal.

2. Legal Inequities
Impact

Bias in the Justice System: Marginalized individuals face systemic bias at all stages, from arrest to
sentencing. They are often unable to afford quality legal representation.

Example: In the U.S., Black and Hispanic individuals receive harsher sentences for similar crimes
compared to white individuals.

Criminalization of Poverty: Laws targeting vagrancy, public nuisance, or petty theft disproportionately
affect economically disadvantaged groups.

Consequences

• Higher incarceration rates for marginalized groups.

• Families are destabilized as individuals are removed from their communities.
 CONCLUSION: TOWARDS JUST AND
EFFICIENT POLICE SYSTEM

A just and efficient police system is fundamental to fostering trust, ensuring public safety, and
upholding the principles of equality and justice. Achieving this balance requires addressing systemic
flaws while embracing reforms that prioritize accountability, community engagement, and the ethical
use of power.

Key Principles for Transformation

1. Accountability and Transparency: Implementing robust oversight mechanisms ensures that police
actions are held to ethical and legal standards, thereby rebuilding public trust.

2. Community-Centered Policing: Engaging communities in policing decisions fosters cooperation,

reduces tensions, and addresses the root causes of crime.

The Way Forward

1. Collaborative Reform: Policymakers, law enforcement, and communities must work together to
design reforms that balance safety with justice.

2. Ongoing Evaluation: Regular assessment of policies and practices ensures the police system adapts to
evolving societal needs.

Conclusion

A just and efficient police system is not merely an aspiration but a necessity for a fair society. By
combining accountability, equity, and modernized practices, law enforcement can serve as a force for
safety, justice, and societal harmony. True progress lies in the commitment to continuous improvement
and the courage to confront systemic challenges head-on.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

www.wikipedia.com

www.google/images.com