Nagpur, India: Female representation in the Nagpur Police force is currently just over 22%, with 1,808 female officers out of a total strength of 7,950, according to data from Nagpur Police Headquarters. Of the 7,343 police personnel deployed, 5,535 are male, leaving 607 positions vacant.

This comes as Nagpur faces increasing incidents of crimes against women, including molestation, rape, domestic violence, and eve-teasing. Many are calling for more women in the police force to address these issues more effectively.

While there has been improvement at higher ranks, with four female Deputy Commissioners of Police and several senior Police Inspectors, the number of women at the grassroots level remains low. Senior police officials have stressed the need for a stronger female presence to support women in distress, but the current figures highlight the gap.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal acknowledged the low female representation, noting that efforts are being made to recruit more women. "We are working towards increasing the number of women in the force," he said.

Nationally, women account for 12.32% of the police force, according to data from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) as of January 1, 2023. Out of 21.41 lakh officers across India, 2.63 lakh are women, a 7.18% rise since 2021.

In Maharashtra, there are 32,172 female police personnel, the second highest in India after Uttar Pradesh, which has 33,319. Other states with notable female representation include Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Delhi.

Additionally, 42,986 women are employed in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), with the CISF having the highest number at 10,001.

As crimes against women continue to rise, the demand for greater female representation in law enforcement is becoming increasingly urgent.