NCJ Number
149988
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 66 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-September 1993) Pages: 310- 315
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This discussion of gender bias in law enforcement in India focuses on women in the police force, crimes against women, the police investigation of such crimes, recent changes in India's laws, and police training in sensitization to women's rights.
Abstract
The ancient Indian scriptures lowered the image of women in Indian society. The ancient Hindu lawgiver Manu required the complete submission of woman to man. Indian cultural institutions thus discriminate against women. Out of the total strength of 877,308 Indian police officers, the number of female officers is 7,706, less than 1 percent. Women in the police service are relegated to special units whose tasks match the traditional roles of women in Indian society. In India, crimes against women are increasing. All crimes against women have increased 37.6 percent from 1987 through 1991. Dowry deaths have increased the most (169.7- percent increase). Police investigations of crimes against women are often superficial, and a significant number of cases that involve female victims are not even filed by the police. In the courts there is often a delay in the disposition of cases that involve female victims. Even though India has revised some of its criminal code to provide more stringent punishment for offenses against women, the police have not given any higher priority to the investigation of these cases. The police must be trained in sensitivity to crimes against women and adopt a victim- centered approach to their investigation. 4 references