Let the efforts of the new Kerala Police Chief Anil Kant to give a new face to the police force become a reality. One of the major aspirations of the newcomers in the police force is the modernization of the army. It starts by giving instructions to the lower rung of the force. Some of the suggestions may be practical. It is usual for most of them z to go unimplemented. Not only by the new police chiefs but also at the departmental level a lot of recommendations are being made to modernize the army. The recommendations of the Police Commissions are also there.

After all, the reality remains that the face of the army has not changed much. It is not just the fault of governments or military leaders. It is the result of the police force being moulded in such a way over time. Today's police stands with a very different and acceptable face than the police two or three decades ago. Changes are taking place. Only that it is slow. The entire police system will have to be overhauled if rapid change is to happen. No government seems to be ready for that.

It can be said that women are the victims of most atrocities these days. Although Kerala presents itself as one of the most women - friendly states, the reality is that women are constantly on the lookout for security and justice. Even in rape cases, pressure is needed to move the case in the right direction. The new DGP's suggestion that cases of violence against women should be investigated by the station head officers themselves rather than subordinates is valuable. It is also a good idea to make inspectors hear the complainants directly. Over the years, efforts have been made to transform stations into a place where people of all backgrounds can walk in without fear. Yet there are plenty of stations where the officers’ arrogance and attitude persist.

Station inspections must be carried out properly if the good ideas in the mind of the police chief are to be fully implemented. Supervisors must perform their duties flawlessly. Some station heads who set targets for stations and open tams to the streets for vehicle inspections at dawn should also be aware of the hostile attitude it creates in the community against the police.

The new police chief's suggestion that the station should not buy stationery items from those who come to lodge complaints is highly commendable. There are many police officers who are adept at buying not only stationery but also vehicle spare parts and furniture from complainants and defendants. There are many people who buy all this even without the station officer asking for it in order to gain the favour of the officers. In any case, the DGP's announcement that the stations will be given Rs 5,000 each for stationery expenses is a good thing and should be implemented immediately.