Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa Calls for Science and Technology to Shape 1 Humane Society

Bengaluru Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa has said that science and technology, driven by continuous innovation, must go beyond convenience and efficiency to fundamentally improve the mindset of people and enhance everyday life for the common man. Speaking at a public interaction programme attended by students, professionals, police personnel and civic representatives, he stressed that technological progress should ultimately serve human values, social harmony and ethical conduct, rather than remain confined to gadgets, surveillance systems or digital platforms.

Mr. Sharanappa observed that while technology has rapidly transformed communication, mobility and governance, its deeper purpose must be to cultivate responsible behaviour, empathy and civic sense among citizens. He said innovations should help reduce conflict, encourage lawful conduct and promote mutual respect in society. “Science and technology should not only make life faster or smarter. They must make life better, safer and more humane,” he said, underlining the need for people-centric innovation.

The Police Commissioner noted that law enforcement agencies increasingly rely on technology for crime prevention, investigation and public service delivery. However, he cautioned that tools alone cannot create a peaceful society unless accompanied by a shift in mindset. According to him, technology should be designed and deployed in ways that encourage positive behaviour, discourage violence and misinformation, and strengthen trust between citizens and institutions.

His remarks come amid rapid digitisation in policing, including the use of artificial intelligence, data analytics, surveillance cameras and online service platforms. While these tools have improved efficiency, Mr. Sharanappa said the real challenge lies in ensuring that technology bridges social divides rather than deepening them. He emphasised that inclusive innovation must address the needs of ordinary citizens, particularly those from marginalised and vulnerable sections.

Technology as a Tool for Social Change, Not Just Enforcement

Mr. Sharanappa highlighted that policing in the modern era is no longer limited to enforcing law and order but increasingly involves community engagement, conflict resolution and preventive intervention. He said science and technology can play a crucial role in these areas by enabling early identification of social stress points, facilitating communication, and promoting awareness.

He pointed out that data-driven policing, when used responsibly, can help identify accident-prone zones, crime hotspots and vulnerable communities, allowing authorities to take preventive measures. However, he stressed that such systems must be transparent and accountable to avoid misuse or erosion of public trust. “Technology should empower citizens, not intimidate them,” he said.

The Commissioner said innovations in communication technology offer opportunities to improve police-public interaction. Mobile applications, helplines and digital grievance platforms have made it easier for citizens to seek assistance and report issues. However, he said these platforms must be accessible, user-friendly and responsive to ensure that people feel heard and supported.

He also underlined the role of technology in spreading awareness and shaping attitudes, particularly among the youth. Digital campaigns, interactive content and educational tools can be used to promote road safety, cyber hygiene, gender sensitivity and respect for the law. Mr. Sharanappa said positive messaging, backed by credible information, can counter misinformation and reduce fear and mistrust.

Referring to the misuse of technology, he warned that unchecked spread of false information, hate speech and online harassment can inflame tensions and disrupt social harmony. He said technological innovation must therefore be accompanied by ethical safeguards and digital literacy. “We cannot allow technology to become a weapon against social cohesion,” he said, urging collaboration between technologists, policymakers and educators.

People-Centric Innovation and the Role of Institutions

The Police Commissioner stressed that the success of science and technology should be measured not by sophistication alone but by its impact on everyday life. He said innovations must address practical problems faced by common people, such as traffic congestion, public safety, access to services and grievance redressal.

Citing examples from policing, Mr. Sharanappa said technology has helped streamline passport verification, emergency response and traffic management. However, he acknowledged that gaps remain, particularly in reaching senior citizens, migrant workers and economically weaker sections who may lack digital access or literacy. He said institutions must invest in outreach and support systems to ensure that technological benefits are equitably distributed.

He also spoke about the importance of inter-departmental collaboration, noting that challenges like road safety, cybercrime and urban security require coordinated efforts across agencies. Technology, he said, can act as a unifying platform by enabling data sharing, joint planning and real-time coordination. However, he cautioned that such integration must respect privacy and legal boundaries.

Mr. Sharanappa called upon educational institutions to play a proactive role in shaping socially responsible technologists. He said students pursuing science and engineering must be encouraged to think beyond commercial success and consider the societal implications of their work. “Innovation without empathy can become dangerous,” he said, urging educators to integrate ethics, social responsibility and civic awareness into technical curricula.

The Commissioner also highlighted the need for continuous training of police personnel to keep pace with technological change. He said officers must not only learn how to use new tools but also understand their limitations and ethical dimensions. “Technology should assist judgment, not replace it,” he said, stressing that human discretion and compassion remain central to policing.

Mindset Change as the Real Measure of Progress

A recurring theme in Mr. Sharanappa’s address was the idea that mindset change is the true indicator of progress. He said science and technology should inspire people to follow rules voluntarily, respect diversity and resolve disputes peacefully. According to him, a society that relies solely on enforcement has failed to internalise values.

He observed that many social problems, including road rage, domestic violence and cyber abuse, stem from attitudes rather than lack of laws. Technology, he said, can help by promoting awareness, facilitating counselling and providing platforms for dialogue. However, he emphasised that technological solutions must be accompanied by sustained social engagement.

The Police Commissioner said community-based initiatives, supported by digital tools, can foster trust and cooperation. For instance, neighbourhood watch groups, online forums and feedback systems can encourage collective responsibility. He said such approaches reduce the burden on law enforcement while strengthening social bonds.

He also addressed concerns about over-reliance on surveillance and monitoring technologies. While acknowledging their role in crime prevention, he said excessive focus on control can create fear and resentment. “A society should feel protected, not watched,” he said, calling for balanced use of technology that prioritises consent and transparency.

Mr. Sharanappa noted that technological progress often outpaces social adaptation, creating anxiety and resistance. He said policymakers and institutions must manage this transition carefully by engaging with communities and addressing their concerns. “Change imposed without understanding will always face resistance,” he said.

Looking Ahead: Innovation With a Human Face

As he concluded his address, Mr. Sharanappa urged innovators, administrators and citizens to work together to ensure that science and technology remain aligned with human values. He said the ultimate goal of innovation should be to create safer streets, more inclusive cities and a society where people feel respected and secure.

Observers said the Commissioner’s remarks reflect a broader shift in thinking within law enforcement, moving from reactive policing to preventive and participatory models. By emphasising mindset change, he highlighted the limits of enforcement-driven approaches and the potential of technology as a catalyst for social transformation.

Experts attending the programme said his views resonate with global discussions on ethical technology and human-centred design. They noted that as cities become smarter, the focus must remain on citizens rather than systems. Technology, they said, should serve as a bridge between institutions and people, not a barrier.

For the common man, Mr. Sharanappa’s message offered reassurance that innovation need not be intimidating or exclusionary. When guided by empathy and responsibility, science and technology can simplify daily life, enhance safety and foster mutual respect. The challenge, he said, lies not in inventing new tools, but in using them wisely to build a more understanding and humane society.