Dr Asangba Tzudir
While it is not a new discover, the recent disclosure by a senior police officer that nearly one-fourth of Nagaland Police personnel may be struggling with alcohol or drug addiction is both alarming and deeply concerning considering the statistics. And if the estimate of around 5,000 personnel out of a force of 20,000 is even tenuously accurate, it only points to a crisis that goes far beyond an internal departmental issue because they lie at the heart of public safety, administrative efficiency, and societal well-being.
The police force occupies a vital position in the society. Police personnel are entrusted with maintaining law and order, protecting citizens and ensuring safety, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, and ensuring public confidence in the justice system. These responsibilities demand alertness, sound judgment, emotional stability, and constant vigilance. As such, alcoholism and substance abuse directly undermine these essential qualities and responsibilities.
Consider a police officer under the influence of alcohol especially while on duty, or suffering from the effects of addiction, is less likely to make rational decisions in critical situations, beside the need to be well-informed. This can cause delayed reactions or response when they are supposed to be swift, impaired judgment, indiscipline, and reduced physical fitness and which can have serious consequences. In emergency situations where every second matters, a lapse in concentration or delayed response can endanger lives. Moreover, addiction can increase absenteeism, or where long leave of absence becomes necessary where one may not be in a state to ably perform one’s duty. This will definitely result in reduced productivity, and thereby weaken the overall effectiveness of the force.
The issue is particularly troubling because police officers are expected to enforce laws, including those related to alcohol and narcotics. When addiction exists within the ranks, it creates a contradiction that will erode the trust put on them by the public. The public need to have confidence on those who are tasked with upholding the law and that they are capable of meeting the highest standards of conduct and professionalism.
However, when it comes to addiction, the very nature of it is such that it should not be viewed solely as a disciplinary problem. Substance dependence is both a health and social issue. The entry into this ‘drinking journey’ can also be caused by the demanding nature of police work which exposes personnel to stress, family separation, and psychological pressure, and so without adequate support systems, some may turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism. As such, punishment alone cannot solve the problem.
A comprehensive approach in the form of awareness campaigns, timely counselling, mental health support, and rehabilitation services is integral to police welfare. Early intervention can prevent occasional misuse from developing into chronic dependency. Leadership also has a crucial role to play. Senior officers must continue to foster a culture that prioritizes wellness, accountability, and mutual support. Periodic health assessments, wellness initiatives, and training on stress management can contribute significantly to prevention. However, clear disciplinary measures should remain in place for cases where substance abuse compromises professional duties or public safety.
This issue is not unique to Nagaland alone. Police forces across the world grapple with issues of alcoholism, stress, and mental health. What distinguishes successful responses is the willingness to acknowledge the problem and address it proactively rather than ignore it.
The warning sounded by the senior police officer should therefore be treated with seriousness because the presence of a strong police force is indispensable to ensure a safe and orderly society. Ensuring that police personnel remain physically fit, mentally resilient, and free from addiction is not merely a departmental concern but a public necessity. The health of the police force and the safety of the community are like two sides of the same coin. Addressing alcoholism within the ranks is an urgent priority for the government, police leadership, and society alike.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes guest editorials for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
