Topic:Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government
9) Immediately after your IPS probationary training, you are posted as Additional SP of a district famous for operating illegal gun making factories. From the day one itself you have taken up the job of identifying and arresting local criminals involved in illegal manufacturing of guns. You were told by seniors that it was tough to arrest these criminals as they had a deep network of informants including local police who would help criminals escape whenever senior officers sent teams to arrest them on tip off. You were also told that most illegal gun factories operated under the patronage of powerful politicians. You were advised to go slowly on the issue without taking risk as this job of hunting down criminals involved risk to life as well. You were told not to act like super-cop and try to become a ‘hero’ as it would draw lots of attention on you from underground criminal networks and powerful politicians. You soon realize that most of the things told by your seniors were true. Your efforts to arrest individuals involved in illegal gun-making meet with failures. You find it difficult to trust your subordinates as your secret plans are leaked to criminals most of the times. In one incident, during a night raid, you meet with gunfire from a local gang. Fortunately you were not injured, but one of your staff was met with serious injuries in the incident. You are frustrated and dejected. You receive no support from any quarters be it senior officers or political bosses. Your parents urge you to get a safe posting and prepare for civil services exam again to fulfill their dream of seeing you as an IAS officer. Your father who retired as IGP, never wanted you to be an IPS officer.
Will you accept the system as it is and play safe as an officer? What decisions will you make in the light of growing frustration on your part and your parent’s advice? Critically comment. (250 Words)
