Sony Kunjappan, in a chapter that explores the possibility of a relationship between local police and Panchayati raj, presents a progressive development of ideas that link the two policing agencies in India. The author starts by emphasizing the importance of Panchayati raj and police in ensuring law and order among ordinary Indians. Although both are essential in governance related undertakings, their origin differs. The police system has fundamentally been influenced by colonial policing related structure. On the other hand, the Panchayati is as a result of devolved government powers. Regardless of the institution responsible for policing, its undertakings should be based on section 45 of the criminal procedure code. The author asserts that after India gained independence, the 1865 police act did not incorporate desirable ideals such as transparency, democracy in governance, and inclusion of citizens in governance. This resulted in the estrangement of the public and the police. To salvage the situation, different concerned committees recommended the way forward, but their efforts did not yield fruits. This led to the institution of a new police act in 2006. The author puts forward some of the major tenets of the new act, for example, professionalism among police, increased participation of citizens in governance, reduction of interference on police undertakings, among others. Particularly, the inclusion of citizens in governance is multidimensional. It calls for a better relationship between police and the public as well as practicing a problem-solving approach in policing. One of the strategies that can help in the achievement of such policing objectives is the decentralization of policing, hence, making local government part of governance. The author emphasizes the importance of Indian self-government in maintaining law and order. It was instituted in India after the inability of the police to reduce crime-related activities. The two are structurally different in that although the formal police system is more decentralized, the opposite is true for Panchayati raj. To explore the dynamics inherent in policing related undertakings by the police as well as Panchayati raj, the author presents a study that explores the collaboration between the two. The problem statement that warrants research into collaboration of police and local government s the inability of the official government to ensure objectives of effective governance, for example transparency, inclusion, democratic governance and accountability. The problems that emanated from the failure of the police to ensure the above necessitated the Shah commission to suggest ways to solve the problem. In addition to suggestions on reforms in policing in India, a Ribeiro committee was formed to help in bringing about change. Later, another committee under Padmanabhaiah was constituted, one which drafted and submitted a report on police governance in 2000. The problem statement by the author also touches on the marginalization of underprivileged individuals, lack of inclusivity of the public in governance, politicization of the police, among others. Although the main objective of the study undertaken by the author is establishing a relationship between police and Panchayati raj, there are other peripheral objectives that influenced the author to carry out research about the topic. One of them is analyzing the dynamics related to rural policing in India, for example, the implementation of innovative policing related strategies and the roles as well as the duties of the police. Another objective is to encourage police to pursue reforms that ensure justice for all. Under the context part of the chapter, the author leans more on the analysis of the structure of Panchayati raj and developmental milestones that have been influenced in such governance by different stakeholders over time. The first major milestone was the implementation of Panchayati raj act, which was done on April 23rd 1994. Kerala, in particular, responded to the recognition of Panchayati governance by making notable changes to government agencies such as the department of urban planning. The modifications were meant to increase the integration of Panchayati governance into communities in a more effective and beneficial manner. The author confirms that the Kerala local government is effective in bringing about change, for example, as seen in the implementation of development programs. Another major success witnessed in Kerala's efforts to ensure better local governance is the participation of people in policing. Gram Sabha meetings were instrumental in passing the message about collaborative governance. Kerala has acted as an example of success in the decentralization of police functions at the community level. The principles related to Panchayati raj applied by this state compare to those suggested by a committee on decentralization of power, one that was led by Dr. Satyabrata. The author asserts that in both cases, an emphasis has been placed on autonomy, transparency, public participation, responsibility, accountability, and uniformity, among others. Even though the above principles were suggested to improve the interaction and understanding between people and policing entities, the author stresses the need for a powerful movement that ensures the implementation of legislation. Under the methodology section, the author uses approaches that ensure an understanding of the relationship between police stations and the Panchayat. Specifically, an analysis of the Adat Gram Panchayat and Pananchery Gram panchayat, both of which are found in Kerala is done. From the population chosen, data was collected through research approaches such as questionnaires, focused group discussions, and interviews. During the study, the author made observations such as the need to introduce amendments that recommend one police station per Panchayati raj, the need for the institution of mechanism that encourages not only accountability among police and Panchayati raj but also a means of monitoring both and the need for harmony among the different stakeholders that directly or indirectly influence policing. To further contextualize the issue, the author presents a case study on two Gram Panchayat. Further observations by the author point to the need to come up with new ways of analyzing the deep-seated problems inherent in the law enforcement sector. At the same time, there is a need for collaboration between police and Panchayat to ensure better outcomes. After the observations, the author tries to make a connection between the initial study objectives and the study outcomes. He concludes by restating the need for both the police and Panchayati raj to collaborate for the maximum wellbeing of those they serve. Another useful conclusion made by the author is the need to redefine police roles, responsibilities, duties, and powers. The author suggests an amendment of the police act that ensure a beneficial linkage between the local self-government and official police stations. Aside from the insight offered by the author after undertaking the research, he recommends that further research on the topic is necessary. Most importantly, he emphasizes the need for a change that ensures collaboration between the Panchayati raj and the police.
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