NCJ Number
104383
Date Published
1985
Length
211 pages
Annotation
This book traces the history of the urban police structure in India from ancient times through the medieval, British colonial, and postindependence periods, with primary emphasis on the structure and effectiveness of the commissionerate system which has operated in metropolitan areas since the latter part of the 19th century.
Abstract
The ancient police structure, which was synonymous with the military, was limited to cities associated with fortresses. In the medieval period, influential and criminal groups and castes were designated by sovereigns to maintain order in the cities. When the British came to India as a trading class, they followed the existing system of order maintenance, but when they assumed colonial powers, they tried various policing models, all of which were ineffective until the establishment of the commissionerate system in some cities in the late 1800's. Under this system, the commissioner of police has power to restrict citizen movements; arrest, detain, and extern offenders; regulate traffic; and exercise general restrictive and regulatory powers. This system was acclaimed and expanded in the postindependence period. This study uses official data, reports, and surveys to evaluate how this system has worked in the past and in the present in various metropolitan areas. A separate chapter examines how the system currently functions in Delhi. Suggestions for reform are offered. 35 tables, charts, questionnaires, 20-item bibliography, and subject index.