Vishwas’s new uniform: Picture of Rajasthan Police changed under the leadership of DGP Rajiv Kumar Sharma

Rajasthan Police Director General Rajeev Kumar Sharma is going to complete the first year of his leadership on July 3. In the last twelve months, Rajasthan Police did not limit itself to just handling law and order but tried to give a new direction to policing by making modern technology, transparency, accountability and sensitivity an integral part of its working style. This year became a proof that if the leadership has clear thinking and determination then the heartbeat of the system can also change.

Easy going, simple and absolutely gentle in normal human behaviour, but on the contrary, in government service, he was tough-tempered, self-confident, determined, extremely dedicated towards duty and had the extraordinary ability to take quick decisions in any adverse situation. DGP Rajeev Kumar Sharma proved that the results of any work do not happen spontaneously from the chair, but come out of the infinite capabilities of doing something new hidden in the mind and brain of the person occupying it, on the ground of reality.

In a state like Rajasthan with vast geographical expanse and diverse social conditions, crime control is no less than an ordeal. Amidst the growing network of cyber crimes, the challenge of women’s safety, curbing organized crimes and changing crime patterns, the police worked with new strategies. DGP Rajiv Kumar Sharma did not limit policing to just cracking down on criminals, but tried to convert it into a campaign to earn public trust. As if he gave the message that the real strength of the police is not only the uniform but also the trust of the public.

During this period, technology emerged as the biggest ally of Rajasthan Police. Digital monitoring, data based crime analysis, online complaint redressal, modern investigation system and technical resources were extensively used for prevention of cyber crimes. Keeping pace with the changing times, the police proved that now the fight against crime is being fought not only in the field but also in the digital world with equal strength. Only one who keeps up with the times can change the times – this saying fits perfectly with this initiative.
Giving top priority to the issues of women safety, child protection and weaker sections was also among the notable achievements of this tenure. Officers were given clear instructions to adopt a sensitive behavior towards the victims, which strengthened the image of the police as a tough system as well as a sympathetic supportive institution. This sensitivity is considered to be the real identity of any democratic system.

In view of the increasing threat of cyber crimes, awareness campaigns were conducted, expert teams were activated and technical investigation capacity was strengthened. By adopting a comprehensive strategy against online fraud and digital crimes, the police tried to convey the message that no matter how vicious the criminal is, the hand of the law remains longer than him.

One of the most notable features of DGP Sharma’s leadership was giving priority to the welfare of policemen. Special attention was given to stress management, mental health, better work environment, resolution of family problems and effective implementation of welfare schemes. Efforts to boost the morale of the soldiers and officers working at the field level, to honor those doing excellent work and to develop a culture of prompt resolution of their problems seemed to infuse new energy into the police department. After all, only one whose morale is strong can become a strong sentinel.

While officers and employees doing excellent work were encouraged, a strict stance was also taken against negligence and indiscipline. Considerable efforts were made towards making the work culture more accountable and result oriented by striking a balance between rewards and discipline. Only iron cuts iron – this proverb appeared to be completely true on administrative discipline.

Public hearings, effective use of social media and community policing also gained new momentum to strengthen communication between the police and the public. This increased the participation of common citizens and the bond of trust towards the police appeared to be stronger than before. In a democracy, this dialogue is considered to be the biggest asset of the system.
Special operations were launched across the state to tackle organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal weapons networks, surveillance of history-sheeters and arrest of wanted criminals. The system of continuous monitoring from the district level to the police headquarters played an important role in making law and order more effective. This series of action against criminals continues to send the message that it is not easy to escape from the grip of law.

Keeping in mind the challenges of the future, the concept of youth policing was also promoted. With special emphasis on training, technical proficiency and modern research methods, young officers and employees were encouraged to adopt innovations, so that Rajasthan Police continues to evolve itself as per the needs of changing times.

The biggest achievement of the first year of DGP Rajiv Kumar Sharma can be considered that he tried to move policing beyond the traditional definition of mere crime control and integrate it with public trust, transparency, sensitivity and coordination of modern technology. If this pace and vision continues further, Rajasthan Police can establish its own identity not only in crime control but also as a national model of people-oriented and responsive policing. The past one year has laid a strong foundation in this direction and the expectations from the future have also increased in the same proportion.