Lucknow: Newly appointed Prayagraj police commissioner Piyush Mordia said the commissionerate system represents a fundamental shift in policing, placing greater responsibility on the police while enabling faster, more citizen-centric decision-making.Speaking about the system, Mordia said the transfer of magisterial powers to the police has significantly enhanced accountability, as citizens now expect prompt, transparent and impartial action.“The commissionerate system is often viewed in terms of greater powers, but I see it as greater accountability. Once magisterial powers are vested in the police, people naturally expect swift, fair and effective decisions without unnecessary delay. It gives us the ability to respond immediately to law and order situations, resolve grievances more efficiently and ensure justice reaches people at the earliest,” he said.According to Mordia, the system has particularly transformed preventive policing, allowing authorities to act against habitual offenders before they become a threat to public order.Drawing from his experience, he said one of the biggest advantages has been the speed with which action can now be taken.“Earlier, proposals under the Goonda Act had to move through several administrative layers before action could be taken. Under the commissionerate system, those decisions can be taken much more quickly. That has made preventive policing far more effective because habitual criminals and anti-social elements can be dealt with before they create law and order problems,” Mordia said.He emphasised that the objective is not to exercise authority for its own sake, but to use the legal powers available to the police responsibly and judiciously.“The real strength of the system lies in balancing authority with responsibility. Faster decision-making also means greater accountability. Every order we pass directly affects the lives of citizens, so fairness, transparency and adherence to the rule of law become even more important,” he said.
