Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D)

Established on August 28, 1970, the Bureau of Police Research and Development had replaced the Police Research and Advisory Council (1966) with the primary objective of modernisation of police forces. 

There are four divisions under BPR&D, with each of these divisions performing separate roles and responsibilities. In this article, we shall discuss at length the objectives of the Bureau of Police Research and Development, along with its brief history and evolution over the years. Also, discussed further below is the Data on Police Organisations (DoPO) 2019. 

Read in detail about the Police Reforms in India at the linked article. These reforms are important from the perspective of the upcoming Civil Services Exam.

The information given in this article will prove helpful for all government and IAS Exam aspirants. 

Bureau of Police Research and Development[UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here

UPSC aspirants can refer to the links given below:

About BPR&D – Brief Background and Objectives

• Objectives – The Bureau of Police Research and Development was established to fulfil three key aims:
  • To take a direct and active interest in the issues
  • To promote a speedy and systematic study of the police problems
  • To apply science and technology in the methods and techniques used by police
• BPR&D was formed in 1970 and had replaced the Police Research and Advisory Council, which was formed in 1966
• The Bureau of Police Research and Development comes under the administration of the Ministry of Home Affairs
• Considering the importance of training for the police forces in the country, the Government of India, under the recommendation of the Gore-Committee (1971) had created a Training Division in 1973 under BPR&D
• Directorate of Forensic Sciences under the BPR&D came into existence in 1983 for forensic science services
• In 2008, the Government of India launched the National Police Mission under the Bureau to transform the police forces in the country into an effective instrument for the maintenance of internal security

Candidates preparing for the upcoming UPSC exam can know the Difference between Paramilitary, Military and Central Armed Police Force at the linked article. 

BPR&D Divisions – Roles and Responsibilities

The four divisions of the Bureau of Police Research and Development are discussed below.

• Research Division
  • Analysis and study of general causes of crime; preventive measures; methods of improvising the investigation; administrative structure; Juvenile delinquency, etc.
  • The assistance of Police Research programmes in States and participation in  social defence and crime prevention programmes
• Development Division
  • Take a regular assessment of the equipment used by the police forces in India and ensure that new and modified pieces of equipment are provided in the fields of Arms and Ammunition, Riot Control Equipment, Traffic Control Equipment, Police Transport and other scientific aids for investigation
  • Providing access to computer technology in various fields of the police force
• Administrative Division
  • Managing the matters related to the police workforce, their units and headquarters
  • Maintaining all accounts and budgets 
  • Working for the welfare of the staff of BPR&D
• Training Division
  • Evaluate the training programmes conducted for the police force
  • Assess that the training is suitable as per the social state of the country and the force is well prepared for every circumstance
  • To liaise with the Directorate of Training of the Department of Personnel in relation inter-alia to training aids projects and fellowships under the UNDP, UNESCO & Colombo Plan etc.
  • To create and maintain a circulating library of films for the use of various police training institutions
  • Supervising the three central detective training schools, situated at Chandigarh, Kolkata and Hyderabad

Candidates can read about the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the linked article. 

Data on Police Organisations (DoPO) 2019

The Bureau of Police Research and Development releases the Data on Police Organisations (DoPO), which shows different aspects of policing in the country like woman police, police expenditure, constabulary ratio, transport facilities, communication facilities, representation of various castes and police training centres. 

Given below are the key points mentioned in the latest edition of DoPO (as of January 1, 2020):

•  The report is prepared on the basis of data provided by the States/UTs, CAPFs and other Central Police Organizations
• Police per lakh of Population Ratio (PPR) against the total sanctioned Police strength during the year 2019 is 195.39 as compared to 198.65 in the previous year
• Police per 100 Sq. Km. of Area Ratio (PAR) against the total sanctioned Police strength during the year 2019 is 79.80 as compared to 78.95 in the previous year
• Population Per Police Person against the total sanctioned Police strength during the year 2019 is 511.81 as compared to 503.40 in the previous year
• Area Per Police Person (in Sq. Km) against the total sanctioned Police strength during the year 2019 is 1.25, as compared to 1.27 in the previous year

SCs/STs & OBCs in State/UT Police:

The total actual strength of Police Personnel belonging to (from Constable to Dy.SP)

• Scheduled Castes stands at 3,01,648
• Scheduled Tribes stands at 2,42,343
• Other Backward Classes stands at 5,19,622

Read about Reservations in India, category-wise quota and laws formulated regarding the same, at the linked article. 

Women in Police:

As per the data of 2019, there has been an increase of 16.05% in the total strength of women in the police since 2018 and approximately a 48% increase since 2014. 

Bureau of Police Research and Development[UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here

IAS exam aspirants can visit the UPSC Syllabus page and get the detailed subject-wise syllabus for the prelims and mains examination at the linked article. 

For the latest exam updates, study material and preparation tips, turn to BYJU’S for assistance.