Bihar DGP Acknowledges Police Force's Gender Sensitivity Gaps

By A Staff Reporter

Patna, Bihar: Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar has acknowledged a gap in the police force’s sensitivity towards gender-based violence, despite proper training programs. Speaking on the findings of a recent survey, Kumar noted that gender-related issues persist both within the police force and in its response to violence against women.

“The survey indicates that despite proper training, the police force is not sensitive towards gender-based violence. We have got gender-based violence in the police force as well,” Kumar said, reflecting on the challenges facing law enforcement in addressing such critical issues.

He also recognized the ongoing efforts to address these concerns, particularly in light of the increasing number of women joining the police force in recent years. “We are creating infrastructure because, in the last few years, the number of women joining the police force has increased. There are challenges before us, but despite that, we are working on it,” he added.

The DGP’s comments come as Bihar, like many other states, grapples with rising concerns over gender-based violence and the adequacy of the police response. While training programs on gender sensitivity have been implemented in various parts of the country, Kumar’s admission underscores the difficulty of changing entrenched attitudes and behaviors, even within the police force.

Kumar’s statement also highlights the state’s efforts to build more inclusive infrastructure to support women in law enforcement. The increase in female recruits is seen as a positive step towards better representation and a more empathetic approach to handling cases of gender violence.

The Bihar DGP’s remarks open the door for more discussion on police reforms, particularly around gender sensitivity and the need for systemic changes to ensure more effective and compassionate responses to victims of gender-based violence.