Punjab Police: Modernizing for Safety, Integrity, and Accountability

Punjab Police, one of India's oldest and most critical state law enforcement agencies, is at a crossroads—balancing heritage, reform, and evolving security dynamics. Spanning public order, anti-drug operations, border defense, and community engagement, the force is both vast and multifaceted. In recent times, modernization efforts, anti-corruption drives, and tech-enabled policing have gained significant momentum, redefining how policing works in Punjab.

Strength, Structure & Mandate

Historical Legacy & Core Role

Formed in 1861 under the Indian Police Act, Punjab Police entrusted its district-level supervision to District Superintendents and later integrated modern systems post-independence. Today, it stands as a comprehensive agency tasked with maintaining law and order, upholding the Constitution, and investigating crime.

Workforce & Command Framework (Heading 3)

• Strength: Approximately 80,000 personnel deployed across the state.

• Leadership Hierarchy:

  • DGP (Gaurav Yadav) at the helm

  • Multiple Deputy and Additional Director General of Police roles covering Home Guards, Human Rights, and Special Administration
    

Recent Initiatives & Technological Evolution

Modernization & Tech Upgrades

Punjab has allocated ₹426 crore over three years to revamp police stations, lines, and public infrastructure. Noteworthy investments include GPS-enabled PCR motorcycles, CSR-funded mobile units, and youth initiatives through sports.

Additionally, the department is partnering with IIT-Ropar to establish an AI‑ML lab for advanced crime analytics. To enhance field responsiveness, thousands of tablets and smartphones have been supplied to investigative officers.

Internal Reforms & Community Outreach

In collaboration with the Indian Police Foundation, Punjab Police initiated reforms in select districts to improve e-FIR access, reduce harassment, and augment public redressal. The Saanjh project introduces user-friendly service centers across the state.

To bolster constitutional awareness, a specialized workshop on Article 21—the right to life and liberty—was conducted for senior officers as part of civil rights training.

Enforcement Highlights & Anti-Drug Campaigns

War on Drugs: Data-Driven Enforcement

From March to August 2025, the Punjab Police filed 16,400 FIRs and arrested 25,646 individuals, seizing heroin, opium, poppy husk, pills, and substantial cash. These operations build on earlier success, where over two-and-a-half years, nearly 40,000 arrests, 2.5+ tonnes of narcotics, and multiple terror modules were dismantled.

Strategic Anti-Smuggling Measures

Punjab has become the first Indian state to deploy an anti-drone unit—“Baaz Akh / Hawk Eye”—in Ferozepur, offering automated alerts against drone-based smuggling of narcotics and arms.

To reinforce soft justice, the police also support community service sentencing—public drinkers or minor offenders now serve in cow shelters or old age homes under reform-driven policies.

Counter-Terrorism Success

Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence unit recently arrested two operatives of a BKI terror module in Jalandhar, recovering a hand grenade in one of its raids.

Accountability Reforms & Resilience

Purging Corruption: Zero-Tolerance Policy

In a strong message on integrity, 52 police officials (from constables to inspectors) were dismissed for corruption in early 2025. DSPs and SPs were suspended on credible allegations—while online FIR filing, e-police stations, and e-courts are being introduced for greater transparency.

Re-examining Leadership Appointments

Punjab passed an amendment altering the police chief selection process—now a state-level committee will shortlist DGP candidates without mandatory UPSC vetting. This raises questions around centralized vs. state authority in policing.

Operational Units & Specialized Forces

Elite Tactical Formation

Punjab SWAT, raised in 2010 with Israeli-trained commandos, specializes in counter-terrorism and rapid response. Equipped with advanced weaponry and protection suits, SWAT played a pivotal role during a 2015 Gurdaspur terror incident.

Investigation Excellence

The Punjab Bureau of Investigation, launched in 2019, consolidates all criminal investigations. It includes cybercrime units, mobile forensic labs, and women-friendly police stations—empowering deep investigative capabilities.

Rural and Night-Time Policing

Punjab pioneered rapid rural response (CAD-based Dial‑112), deploying GPS and vehicles akin to city PCRs. The nighttime policing scheme deployed 4,000 dedicated officers specifically for after-dark security.

Overview Table: Punjab Police at a Glance

Key Takeaways

• Scale & Legacy: A century-old institution with a vast structure adapting to modern law enforcement needs.

• Technological Edge: Investments in AI, mobile devices, rural response, and drone detection show forward-looking policing.

• Holistic Anti-Drug Strategy: Enforcement, intelligence, rehabilitation, and citizen engagement form integrated combat against drugs.

• Accountability First: Rigorous anti-corruption action and citizen-friendly e-governance reflect growing public trust.

• Operational Diversity: Strong presence through SWAT, Bureau of Investigation, and rural/night units enhances wide-spectrum capability.

• Governance Shift: DGP selection change points to evolving policy-administration dynamics.

• Promoting Human Rights: Training in constitutional rights and Article 21 emphasizes custodial responsibility and public rahbilitation.

• Proactive Border Security: Anti-drone measures and community vigilance strengthen defense across Punjab’s frontier.

Conclusion

Punjab Police stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation—demonstrating how a legacy force can evolve through technology, reforms, and integrity. From combating narcotics and terrorism to embracing e-governance and accountability, its initiatives reflect a progressive vision for policing. While challenges remain, the path ahead looks increasingly transparent, agile, and community-centered.