Crime is increasing in India, although the rate of growth is slower compared to that of many affluent Western countries. India's criminal justice system parallels the Anglo-Saxon adversarial pattern. Constraints on the police in this system have significantly hampered their ability to counter crime. The most significant constraint is the paucity of investigating staff. Also, may of the rural police stations are too large and unwieldy. Legal handicaps on the police are caused by laws that pertain to police investigations. Police are deprived of the right to secure and use the confessions of suspects, even when they are made voluntarily. Another factor that is obstructing law enforcement in modern societies is the proliferation of laws. Legislators give little attention to the practical problems of enforcing various laws passed to address specific social problems. Police are then criticized when the problem is not solved. To be effective in India, police must gain the trust and cooperation of the communities they serve. Prompt reporting of crime and cooperation in investigations by citizens are essential if the police are to control crime. Tasks of the police that do not involve law enforcement are first aid, legal advice, counseling to juveniles, and offering suggestions to improve the security of homes and businesses. 2 tables and 8 references