Police R&D bureau to get new life

The now defunct Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) is headed for an image makeover to set right the impression that it is simply a dumping ground for officers out  of reckoning.

The organisation is set to play a key role in the proposed police modernisation project. Minister of state for home Ajay Maken said the organisation should be assigned the responsibility of assessing the performance of states on the police modernisation front. 
BPR&D’s report would become the basis for release of money to a state, thus reducing the chance of under-utilisation of police modernisation funds, Maken said.     

“Devolution of funds from the Centre to the states should be linked to and based on the quantum and quality of reforms being undertaken by the states,” Maken said.

Under the existing pattern of fund allocation for police modernisation, the home ministry releases the funds as and when the states demand. There is no system of accountability even if a state fails to fully utilise the funds, a source said.

As part of the plan to improve BPR&D’s profile, the ministry is setting up a modern office complex for the organisation to fulfill all needs on the research and development front. From a non-descript office in a crowded central government office complex, the organisation will soon have a swank office near Delhi airport.

Presently, BPR&D is engaged in the process of developing standard operating practices (SOPs) for security in malls and multiplexes.