Data reveals that the Police Department has nearly 14 per cent of sanctioned positions unfilled. That’s huge for a tiny State like Goa. With a total strength of 7,791, the police force currently operates with only 6,887 personnel, a gross shortfall of 904 personnel spread across various ranks. This is not just a numerical deficit; it translates into excessive workloads for the officers who are present thereby putting productivity at stress. The impact is acutely felt in critical ranks, especially among the Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs), as Goa currently has only 331 PSIs serving out of a sanctioned strength of 514. This is particularly concerning given their essential role in investigations and community policing.
The lack of personnel is further complicated by bureaucratic inertia. The promotion bottleneck within the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) ranks has exacerbated the staffing crisis, with only 26 out of 42 sanctioned positions filled. Even efforts by Goa Police to promote DySPs have hit snags, leaving critical vacancies unresolved. The Armed Police Wireless division has only 13 constables serving against 78 sanctioned positions. Just as alarming is the complete absence of Police Inspectors in the wireless division, a critical area for real-time responsive policing.
This vacuum raises questions about the government's commitment to maintaining law and order, a cornerstone of Goa's identity as a welcoming destination. Goa has evolved. The footfalls have increased, and so has the tourism buzz. On the flip side, the State is confronted with a grim reality of a rising crime rate which has become a pressing concern for residents and tourists. The Goan versus non-Goan narrative that has emerged lately is only making things worse. Goa cuts out a sorry figure when it fails on the law and order front, or when questions are being raised. The idyllic image of the State as a tranquil haven is being deeply challenged as reports of brawls, assaults, murders, molestations, and fraud proliferate, laying bare fundamental weaknesses in law enforcement.
The ramifications of an understaffed police force could be severe given the situation Goa is facing, especially when the men in khaki are with their backs to the wall in trying to win public trust. The question therefore is why the state government is dragging its feet in optimising police personnel strength at a time when the need is clearly showing. The paradox of unfilled sanctioned positions is baffling, suggesting either a lack of political will or mismanagement.
Now that the government has streamlined the recruitment process routing all jobs through the Staff Selection Commission, while also showing financial strength in the recently announced budget proposals, there should be no hindrances in prioritising police staffing. It’s just a matter of understanding the seriousness of the issue and its implications on the larger Goa landscape. Goa's image is inextricably tied to the effectiveness of its law enforcement. Failing to bolster the police structure puts not only the tourism industry at risk but also the tag of insecurity that has been attached to Goa lately.
It is imperative for the state government to reassess its approach to filling vacant positions within the police force. By doing so, they can restore faith in law enforcement, capture the true essence of Goa’s peaceful reputation, and ensure that the State remains a safe place for all. Delaying action in this critical area only compounds the issues surrounding safety, leaving Goa teetering on the edge of chaos.
