TIME and again, we realise the pressing need for introducing reforms in the policing system of the country. Multiple solutions have been proposed by police officers, legal practitioners and members of civil society. In fact, all solutions have some element of utility, but what is missing is an attempt to identify the core issues that are either being faced by the police force or caused by it.

Considering the complex nature of such issues, it is suggested that before rushing to find solutions, a problem-framing exercise should be conducted first, inv-olving all the stakeholders. Every stak-eholder should view the police through a different lens, and, hence, multiple problems will emerge, requiring their own respective solutions.

A unidirectional approach will not yield the required results. Also, it is necessary that different voices are made part of the process of problem-framing. Counting only on academic or professional experts would not be enough. The common man is one of the biggest stakeholders in the process of introducing police reforms, and needs to be taken on board.

Lastly, the representation needs to be meaningful, and not for the sake of the pervasive culture of playing to the gallery.

Nowsherwan Ali
Melbourne, Australia

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2024