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Amulya Patnaik’'s dismal tenure as Delhi police commissioner could be over by this month end. But the problems he leaves behind for the capital city’s police force-will endure despite the leadership change. The magnitude of the incompetence of the police force will come into greater sight as the accounting of the destruction of property in these riots is done.

The inability to mass larger numbers of forces to drive the fear of law into rioters was a major failing. So was the partisan conduct of the police force. This raises questions of the IPS leadership of the police force and their inability to instill discipline in the lower rungs.

To prevent a repeat of such rioting police must act without fear or favour and arrest all who partook in rioting. Instances like inaction when vigilantes entered JNU and assaulted students and faculty have shown the police in poor light and sent the message to rioters that they enjoy impunity so long as they are on the right side of the ruling establishment.

The police force will also have to be drilled harder to prepare them for riot scenarios and strategies for mob dispersement. The massive intelligence failure will also have to be rectified. SN Srivastava who is tipped to take over from Patnaik must be willing to act without fearing interference from his political masters. The Union Home ministry must adopt a hands-off approach and allow the police reforms that Supreme Court mooted in 2006 to take effect.

Leading by example on police reforms will help MHA send the right signals to other states. Right now, Delhi Police has been reduced to an apology of a police force. This is no situation any responsible political leader or public servant wants to find himself or herself caught in.

The writer recommends which of the following?

A) Rectify intelligence failure

B) The police head must be fearful of the authority

C) Hands-on approach by the home ministry

D) Supreme Court should make provisions for police reform