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Criminal Justice in India: Issues of Cultural Diversity and Their Impact on Policing

NCJ Number
185602
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2000 Pages: 13-16
Author(s)
Eric Cook
Date Published
May 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article presents an overview of criminal justice in India, the organization of police, police use of force and cultural crimes.
Abstract
The Indian police are centralized and administered at the State level; the Home Minister oversees the entire police force and is responsible for formulation of policy. In metropolitan areas, the police come under the direct control of the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners of Police. Historically, the Indian police established a reputation for accomplishing good results in crime detection despite inadequate resources and technology. However, their methods are often questioned and there is a tendency for police officers to resort to harassment, torture, or other illegal methods. India is primarily a male-dominated society, although political pressure has forced the government to deal with some deep-rooted gender issues such as "teasing" (making lewd remarks and unwanted contacts with women in cramped public places) and dowry harassment. Public mistrust of the police causes citizens to regard as harsh and unjust even a just police action against students. Some citizens have suggested that separate security forces should be created to maintain campus law and order. References