ABSTRACT
The Corona Pandemic has posed multitude of challenges before societies across the World. India too is fighting with all its might to mitigate the menace of this pandemic. This fight is led by innumerable frontline warriors including doctors, nurses, para-medic staff, government officials, sanitation workers and many more. Police is an organisation, which is at frontline for enforcing law and maintaining order. In fact it is the organisation, which is relied upon by administration in almost every possible crisis and disaster situations. No wonder, Police has emerged as frontline corona warriors as well. Since the onset of Covid-19 cases in India, rather even prior to such a scenario emerging, Police in India across states has been at the forefront of battling it. The understanding of police about handling this challenge has evolved with time. The strict enforcements of lockdown and penalising violators; even with the use of force in physical terms – were the initial methods adopted. Slowly and steadily, complimenting the enforcement measures – innovative methods started emerging; showcasing creative skills of these corona warriors. This led to improved public perception of police image as well. We are nowhere near the end of the crisis. However, the Police is far better prepared now and apparently for the Post-Covid Era too. This paper has endeavoured to analyse the lessons learnt by Police as corona warriors enabling them to be prepared for the post-corona scenario. Further, the critique of gains made by police in public perception and how it would be helpful for overall policing in times to come has also been undertaken. Towards the end, this paper has also offered suggestions from the perspective of future preparedness of Police for Post-Covid Era.
