Infrastructure – Andhra Pradesh Police Face Rising Workload Amid Expanding Enforcement Responsibilities

Infrastructure –  Law enforcement reforms and policing challenges in Andhra Pradesh – The Andhra Pradesh Police Department is experiencing growing operational pressure as officers manage routine policing responsibilities alongside multiple government-led enforcement campaigns. The increasing workload has raised concerns over manpower shortages, administrative efficiency, accountability, and the ability of personnel to maintain effective public safety.

The State Police Department is handling a broader range of responsibilities following the formation of the TDP-led NDA government in 2024. Apart from maintaining public order and responding to everyday criminal incidents, police personnel have been assigned to several large-scale enforcement drives. These include action against ganja trafficking, monitoring social media misinformation, and investigating alleged irregularities linked to the previous YSRCP administration. While these initiatives remain important for the government, they have significantly increased the burden on the force.

Expanding Duties Stretch Available Resources

Senior officials indicate that the growing number of special operations has placed considerable pressure on existing police resources. A substantial portion of the workforce has been diverted to targeted investigations and enforcement campaigns, leaving several departments and field units operating with limited staff. Officers say managing both regular policing duties and special assignments simultaneously has become increasingly demanding.

According to a senior police officer, who requested anonymity, the nature of policing has changed in recent years. Routine law enforcement responsibilities now run parallel with target-oriented assignments directed by higher authorities, making it more difficult for officers to balance priorities while maintaining operational efficiency.

Preventive Detentions Continue Across the State

Official figures indicate that more than 300 individuals accused in various criminal cases, including offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, have been placed under preventive detention during the past two years. These individuals have been lodged in prisons across Andhra Pradesh as part of ongoing crime-control measures.

The NTR district has recorded more than 50 preventive detention cases involving repeat offenders facing multiple criminal charges, including narcotics-related offences. Authorities have also invoked the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act against several accused linked to drug-related activities as part of efforts to strengthen enforcement.

Officers Seek Recruitment and Institutional Support

Police personnel have emphasized the need for additional recruitment at both the sub-inspector and constable levels to address staffing shortages. Officers note that preventive detention procedures require extensive documentation and legal compliance, adding to an already demanding workload.

Some officials have expressed concern that performance expectations continue to rise despite limited manpower. They also point to administrative consequences, including transfers to Vacancy Reserve or disciplinary action, if assigned targets are not achieved. Alongside fresh recruitment, officers believe greater professional training and improved institutional support aligned with Central government guidelines would strengthen policing standards.

Recent Incidents Increase Public Scrutiny

The recent controversies involving the Krishna Lanka Police Station in Vijayawada have further intensified attention on police functioning. A custodial death and another case involving an alleged suicide linked to claims of police harassment have generated public debate and renewed discussions on accountability within law enforcement agencies.

Shortages Affect Specialised Investigation Agencies

Challenges are not limited to district police units. Specialised agencies, including the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID), Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), and Vigilance & Enforcement Department, are also reported to be operating with less than 60 percent of their sanctioned workforce. Officials say these vacancies have increased the workload on existing personnel and may affect the pace of investigations and enforcement activities unless staffing levels improve.