Punjab Police partners with Indian Police Foundation for citizen-friendly reforms

The 'Internal Police Reforms' project, initiated by the Indian Police Foundation (IPF) in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Punjab, was officially launched on Tuesday.

The event took place at the Punjab Police Headquarters, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IPF and Punjab Police. The ceremony was attended by DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, IPS, Dr. Ish Kumar, IPS (Retd.), Vice-President IPF and Project Director, ADGP/Traffic and Road Safety A.S. Rai, IPS (State Nodal Officer), and G.S. Sandhu, IPS (Retd.) (State Supervisor of the IPF project).

During a press conference at the Police Lines auditorium, ADGP A.S. Rai emphasized that this MoU will foster cooperation between Punjab Police and IPF, focusing on citizen-centric policing reforms. The initiative aims to address common citizens' challenges while interacting with local police and implementing remedial measures to ensure efficient, people-friendly policing.

Initially, the IPF project will be implemented in 30 police stations across four districts—SAS Nagar, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Khanna. In Rupnagar, nine police stations have been identified, including PS City Rupnagar, Sadar Rupnagar, Singh Bhagwantpur, City Morinda, Sadar Morinda, Chamkaur Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, Nurpurbedi, and Nangal. The project will eventually expand across Punjab in a phased manner.

As part of the initiative, IPF researchers will conduct public consultation meetings in Rupnagar police stations with stakeholders, including complainants, victims, witnesses, convicts, under-trials, frontline police personnel, and traffic violators from March 25 to April 2, 2025.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ish Kumar, IPS (Retd.), highlighted that IPF researchers will identify core issues, create a change manual, and provide training to police station personnel. The impact of these reforms on citizens will be assessed, and a set of recommendations will be made for long-term implementation through standing orders, circulars, and SOPs.

He further stated that Punjab Police will offer full support, including manpower, logistics, data access, and coordination, to ensure the successful execution of the reforms. Dr. Ish Kumar also assured DGP Punjab that the research-driven outcomes will greatly benefit the people of the state and enhance the image of Punjab Police.

Later in the day, the IPF team, led by Dr. Ish Kumar and ADGP A.S. Rai, held a meeting with police officers, including SHOs of Rupnagar district. The session was attended by SSP Rupnagar G.S. Khurana, IPS, along with other senior police officials.