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Police Criminal Justice Summary

The document outlines the critical role of police in the criminal justice system, including their responsibilities in crime prevention, investigation, and maintaining public order. It discusses the structure of the police in India, the legal framework governing their operations, and the challenges they face such as corruption and abuse of power. The document emphasizes the need for police reforms to enhance accountability, transparency, and the use of technology in policing.

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15 views2 pages

Police Criminal Justice Summary

The document outlines the critical role of police in the criminal justice system, including their responsibilities in crime prevention, investigation, and maintaining public order. It discusses the structure of the police in India, the legal framework governing their operations, and the challenges they face such as corruption and abuse of power. The document emphasizes the need for police reforms to enhance accountability, transparency, and the use of technology in policing.

Uploaded by

pahi6545
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Summary: Role of Police in Criminal Justice System

1. Role of Police in Criminal Justice System


- Police are the first responders to a crime scene and play a crucial role in investigations.
- Their responsibilities include crime prevention, investigation, maintaining public order, traffic
control, riot prevention, and intelligence gathering.
- The police help in apprehending criminals, collecting evidence, and presenting cases in court.

2. Structure and Organization of Police in India


- The Director General of Police (DGP) heads the police force in a state.
- States are divided into ranges, districts, divisions, circles, and police stations for better
administration.
- Besides civil police, states also have armed police forces, intelligence branches, and crime
branches.

3. Legal Framework Governing Police in India


- The Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act form
the legal foundation for police work.
- Police Act of 1861 (enacted during British rule) still governs police functioning in India.
- The CrPC (1973) defines police powers regarding FIR registration, arrests, searches, and
investigations.
- Police can investigate only cognizable offenses without prior approval but require permission for
non-cognizable offenses.

4. Issues and Challenges in Police Functioning


- Delays and corruption: Police officers sometimes refuse to register FIRs, delay investigations, or
alter legal charges for personal or political interests.
- Abuse of power: Cases of illegal detention, custodial torture, and false implications are concerns.
- Lack of training and resources affects efficient policing.
- Political interference often hampers impartial law enforcement.

5. Judicial Oversight and Police Accountability


- Courts have issued guidelines to prevent police excesses, including:
- Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014): Supreme Court restricted arbitrary arrests under IPC
Section 498A (dowry cases) and mandated proper procedures.
- Courts emphasize that police should not misuse their powers, must respect human rights, and be
accountable for wrongful actions.

6. Criminal Justice Process in India


The process consists of the following steps:
1. FIR Registration - The police must record complaints for cognizable offenses.
2. Investigation - Collecting evidence, examining witnesses, and interrogating suspects.
3. Charge Sheet Submission - If sufficient evidence is found, a charge sheet is filed in court.
4. Trial Begins - The judiciary examines the case and conducts proceedings.
5. Judgment and Sentencing - If found guilty, the accused is punished as per the law.

7. Principles of Democratic Policing


- The Nine Principles of Policing (introduced by Sir Robert Peel in 1829) emphasize community
policing and maintaining law and order without excessive force.
- Police should gain public trust rather than instill fear.
- Their efficiency should be judged by the absence of crime, not by the number of arrests.

8. Need for Police Reforms


- Modern policing should be based on transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
- Implementation of Supreme Court recommendations on police reforms is necessary.
- Use of technology in investigations (CCTV, forensic analysis, digital crime tracking) must be
encouraged.

9. Conclusion
The article concludes that while police are a crucial pillar of the criminal justice system, they often
fail to uphold justice due to corruption, political pressure, and procedural flaws. It calls for strict
adherence to legal procedures, reforms, and accountability measures to ensure the police serve the
public fairly and efficiently.

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