Kiran Bedi for police research courses

Kiran Bedi urges the UGC to launch graduate and post-graduate courses on police related subjects like criminology and forensic science.

Kiran Bedi, one of India's most decorated police officers on Tuesday urged the University Grants Commission (UGC) to launch graduate and post-graduate courses on police related subjects like criminology and forensic science.

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"The police in the country is indifferent and the Indian police in 2007 stands at same level where our American counterparts were in the 1960s. If they improve and advance due to research, why can't we?" remarked Bedi, who is director general of Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD).

The BPRD has asked the UGC to direct universities in all states to set up specialised centres in colleges where short-term diploma courses can be offered in police science and criminology.

"The introduction of police science and criminology as part of the curriculum would change the scenario. The BPRD is planning to rope in UGC services in a big way to support research activities in police and criminology studies," she said at a meeting between BPRD and representatives of 35 universities.

The BPRD had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with these 35 universities for research collaboration.

On the occasion, Bedi asked the UGC to make efforts to include the proposal of starting police-related courses in the 11th Five Year Plan so that financial assistance can be allocated for the same.

"There is some problem with the policing in the country. The universities can chip in here and play a significant role in improving the current situation," Bedi said.

She also suggested that a national-level documentation centre be set up to help researchers streamline their studies.