Village policing
DIFFERENT from urban policing in terms of community ties, resources and issues, village policing is aimed at public safety and law enforcement in rural areas. Ideally, VP blends formal policing with community participation rooted in informal structures such as local justice systems. VP officers are embedded in the community whose trust and cooperation they aim to gain, and whose participation they encourage in crime prevention, intelligence gathering, reporting suspicious activity and dispute resolution. Quick localised responses reduce reliance on distant authorities. Compared to urban policing, VP is cost-effective, relying on existing local structures. Blending customary practice leads to culturally sensitive policing.
The village headman and watchman had a central role in maintaining order. The chowkidar was appointed and paid by the village. The British created a disconnect between police and community, with lasting effects. Pre-colonial villages were self-regulating; elders mediated, enforced order and resolved disputes according to local customs. Post 1857, the British centralised Indian policing through the Police Act, 1861 that stressed control over community service. While operating separately from VP, it relied on chowkidars for intelligence.
In many countries inherited colonial systems have been combined with modern policing. VP is meant as a bridge between traditional systems and state authority but due to few resources, a formal police presence in rural areas is minimal. India encourages village watchmen alongside police stations and community policing called ‘Gram Rakshak Dal’. It has ‘Gram Panchayats’ supported by community policing, where village volunteers participate in safety initiatives. Kenya introduced ‘Nyumba Kumi’ based on ‘know your 10 neighbours’, monitoring surroundings and boosting social cohesion to combat crime, and mediating disputes.
There’s a dire need for a redefined VP structure.
The Philippines’ ‘Barangay Justice System’ has elected officials and a council for dispute resolution. It coordinates with the national police, handles minor disputes and undertakes local enforcement. South Africa operates ‘Community Policing Forums’ made up of local governments (LGs), police and community groups. CPFs operate at the police station level and interact with local municipalities. The UK has parish councils with Neighbourhood Policing Teams interacting with village communities.
Local knowledge from elders and volunteers can help police understand community dynamics. VP decentralises policing, empowers local officers, and helps resolve minor disputes — such as theft and land and family disputes — through alternative dispute resolution. This reduces the courts’ burden and promotes a sense of security. It can assist district police in information gathering, locating suspects and crowd control at festivals. Closer ties with villagers boost crime prevention, support access to district police, and build trust. Bicycle or motorbike patrolling makes VP cost-effective. It encourages community engagement and provides an opportunity to collaborate with district police.
Yet VP has inadequate resources, poor infrastructure and limited and poorly trained manpower. It lacks transportation and communication facilities. A corrupt image and abuse of power create distrust among villagers. Legal integration is weak as customary laws conflict with national laws especially over women, children and inheritance. Training gaps impact VP — trainings may apply to urban policing models that aren’t compatible with rural policing. Corruption and bias among local elites can lead to misuse of power. Caste and political pressure may influence policing or suppress marginalised voices. Volunteers may not be trained to handle legal issues well. The overlap of authority and undefined role of the police-LG dynamic can cause ambiguity.
Clear roles for VP and LGs, regular training, transparent complaint handling, monitoring, and inclusion of women, youth, and marginalised sections will ensure effectiveness. Officers trained to be culturally sensitive and non-violent conflict resolution will support VP success. Is VP’s cost to be borne by residents’ or local bodies? Should VP work alone or with LGs? As per Article 140-A, each province must incorporate VP as an enforcement arm of LGs, create infrastructure and allocate a budget. According to the 2023 census, 61 per cent of the population is rural and 39pc urban; 46,697 localities are officially recognised as villages. It shows a dire need for a redefined VP structure.
VP needs investment in personnel, better integration with formal policing and a community-based approach. By improving accountability and building trust at the grassroots, it can contribute significantly to maintaining order and security.
The writer is the author of Pakistan: In Between Extremism and Peace.
Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2026
