The Long View Of Danda To Data For IPS Officers: The Fittest Will Survive

A famous writer and psychologist, Laurance J Peter, once observed that people in a hierarchy tend to rise to a level of respective incompetence." This observation came to be known as the Peter principle in administration/management. Perhaps this holds true in our bureaucracy, and this is what top brass seem to identify and clean. The recent DGP-IGP conference ended on a high note, from discussing the scope of modern-day policing cross-border security to shaping policies according to new laws. The Prime Minister's message is asking IPS officers to give a soft departure to Danda and adopt Data-driven policing. However, PM's message is not limited to a simple speech device; it goes beyond its simple meaning. This meaning "Danda to Data" also has a connection with competency. The long view of Danda and Data suggests that the top brass not only want tech-savvy IPS officers, but the government of the day is dropping an indication that just like data, which is analytical and armed with a long view(predictions and assessments), the IPS officers should consider changing their working styles with data similar features- First, inculcating the quality of Art of Long View(robust assessments and thinking few steps ahead). Second- absorbing the modern technology and innovative style of policing( which includes a deeper connection with the community and strong deterrence against crime and evolving threats. Third, which is most important as data has long-term relevance even if it gets old, IPS officers must also maintain their competency for the long term. Top sources say "there was feel from the top brass that they were emphasizing on changing thinking towards working style", a senior DGP rank officer said. Perhaps the indications have started to appear as the centre has begun zeroing in on IAS officers(installing the centre's man in states is one indication if we remove political connotations. The same practice might begin for IPS officers, too. A second round of DG appointments will soon start, though election season will warrant additional charges at NSG, BPR&D, NPA, NIA, and SSB. Chances of new appointments cannot be overlooked. Similarly, UP DGP is set to retire this month; "installing DGP from the centre may be the first single by the government as they are doing with IAS officers(Chief Secretary appointments)", a well-placed source said. The IAS officers seem to have already understood the government's aspirations and hints of change in working style, a well-placed source added. Whaterver is case in air-tight offices of top brass, one thing is clear that government wants to work on formal of "Surivial of Fittist" which might get translated into reality if government returns to power for third term.