Devanssh Mehta is an acclaimed Indian author and medical content expert with over 80 books spanning pharmacy, self-help, and public policy. A former professor and founder of TRM Writer’s LLP, his military upbringing and academic rigor fuel his diverse writings. His latest work explores transformative policing in modern India.
The Literature Times: What inspired you to write a book on the Indian Police Service, especially given your background in pharmacy and medical writing? Was there a personal connection or event that triggered this shift in focus?
Devanssh Mehta: Why I Wrote a Book on Indian Police Services
From a very young age, I harbored a deep desire to serve my nation as part of the armed forces or the police. The uniform, the discipline, the sense of duty—it all spoke to something fundamental within me. However, life had its own course. Due to personal circumstances, I could not walk the path I once dreamed of.
But dreams never truly die—they evolve. Today, as a writer, I’ve found a new way to serve. My pen has become my voice, and through it, I’ve attempted to understand, document, and honor the spirit of Indian policing. This book is not just a study or a tribute—it is my way of staying connected to a calling I still hold dear.
More than just a publication, it’s also a message. I hope this work reaches the corridors of power, so that perhaps one day, in some capacity, I may contribute to our nation’s security framework—not by force, but through intellect, research, and commitment to reform. Writing this book was my salute to the khaki—and an open pitch to the Government of India to let me serve in any capacity I can.
The Literature Times: Your book explores the evolution of policing in India. What were some of the most surprising insights or facts you uncovered during your research on the historical development of the Indian Police Service?
Devanssh Mehta: Since childhood, I have been drawn toward the discipline, honor, and duty embodied by the Indian armed forces and police services. Though personal circumstances did not allow me to join the uniformed services, that passion never faded. Instead, it transformed into a mission—through writing, research, and advocacy, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s security and justice systems.
During my journey as a researcher and writer, I had the opportunity to study the police force from close quarters. I observed the silent battles many officers fight—not just against crime, but within themselves. The mental health issues faced by police personnel are grave, underreported, and often neglected. Long hours, emotional strain, systemic challenges, and societal pressures take a serious toll on their well-being.
I also encountered the harsh realities modern policing grapples with—ranging from limited resources and outdated training to the corrupt practices of a few that taint the image of the whole. Despite these challenges, the Indian police remain the first and last line of defense for law and order in our diverse democracy.
This book is a reflection of those observations. It is built upon two core insights:
- The urgent need to address mental health and institutional support for police personnel, and
- A bold vision for the future of Indian policing—modernized, citizen-centric, and equipped to combat evolving crimes with integrity and innovation.
This book is my tribute to the khaki-clad warriors who uphold justice, often at the cost of their own peace. It is also my humble pitch to the Government of India—to consider involving professionals like me in policy-building, research, or advisory roles in security and reform.
If I couldn’t wear the uniform, I choose to honor it through my words—with courage, respect, and unwavering intent.
The Literature Times: With over 80 books to your name across disciplines, how did the writing process for this book differ from your usual work? Did you face any unique challenges when delving into law enforcement and policy?
Devanssh Mehta: Writing on Law Enforcement: A Journey of Courage, Responsibility, and Truth
Writing a book on Indian police services has been one of the most challenging yet deeply fulfilling journeys of my life. It wasn’t just about putting words on paper—it was about walking a tightrope between truth and responsibility.
Law enforcement is a sensitive subject. It demands a level of precision, factual correctness, and legal awareness that few other genres require. A single misquote, misrepresentation, or error can not only compromise the integrity of the work but also invite serious legal consequences. Unlike fictional or creative writing, where imagination can run free, writing about policing requires accountability to facts, policy, and public perception.
Throughout this journey, I navigated countless challenges. Accessing credible information, understanding internal systems, interpreting data without bias, and ensuring I remained respectful yet honest in my tone—all demanded immense mental rigor. I consulted legal experts, interacted with serving and retired police personnel, and cross-verified every fact multiple times to ensure accuracy and fairness.
One of the most eye-opening experiences was learning how fragile the balance of policing truly is—caught between expectations from the public, pressure from the political spectrum, and personal sacrifices that often go unseen. It reinforced in me a deep sense of empathy and admiration for those who serve in khaki.
This book is not just a product of writing—it is the outcome of lived understanding, sleepless nights, cautious articulation, and a heartfelt commitment to reform and recognition. I wrote it with the hope that it contributes to national dialogue, inspires reform, and helps us reimagine policing in India with greater dignity, compassion, and efficiency.
The Literature Times: “Empowered Police, Secure Future” is a compelling vision. What does empowerment look like for a police officer in today’s India, and what structural changes are necessary to make it a reality?
Devanssh Mehta: Structure, Clarity, and Accountability: The Backbone of Effective Policing
One of the core insights I developed while researching this book is the urgent need for a structured framework that clearly defines roles, responsibilities, and expectations for every individual—from the lowest-ranking constable to the highest-ranking officer in the police or armed forces.
In any uniformed service, clarity of duty is power. Without a well-documented chain of command, clearly defined tasks, and accountability mechanisms, confusion sets in, inefficiency thrives, and both morale and effectiveness suffer. Unfortunately, in many instances, our enforcement agencies still lack standardized, role-specific documentation that evolves with modern challenges.
This book advocates for a comprehensive restructuring of operational duties, where each post—from beat constable to DGP—has clearly outlined expectations, ethical boundaries, performance metrics, and wellness checkpoints. This not only strengthens institutional discipline but also protects individuals from being overburdened, misused, or caught in ambiguous operational zones.
Furthermore, I believe that just like any modern professional organization, our police and armed forces must have living documents of responsibility—regularly updated guidelines that evolve with society, technology, and crime patterns.
By documenting expectations and responsibilities for each rank, we build clarity, transparency, and operational efficiency—and more importantly, we humanize the uniform, allowing officers to feel secure, supported, and understood in their roles.
The Literature Times: How did your interactions with professionals in the IPS or security forces (if any) shape the narrative and authenticity of your work?
Devanssh Mehta: Navigating the Risks of Researching the Police Force
One of the most delicate and demanding aspects of writing this book was collecting authentic data and insights from within the police force. Unlike many other domains, law enforcement operates under high stress, tight schedules, and a continuous pressure to perform. Officers and personnel are often too occupied with their operational responsibilities to engage in detailed interviews or lengthy research dialogues.
Moreover, every individual within the force is unique—some are open to conversation, some are cautious, and others may simply not be in a position to participate. And that is completely understandable. In a hierarchical, high-risk profession, speaking openly is not always easy, nor expected.
As a writer, I approached this space with clarity, respect, and a concise method of interaction. I remained fully aware that any misrepresentation or unauthorized use of information could have legal consequences—not just for me as the author, but for those who chose to engage in good faith.
This book, therefore, is not built on casual observation or hearsay—it is the outcome of measured, ethical, and transparent interaction with stakeholders, supplemented by data, secondary literature, and a grounded understanding of the systemic challenges.
I accept that not every voice could be captured, and that many stories will forever remain untold, either by choice or by necessity. But for the ones that were shared with courage and hope, I owe my deepest gratitude.
It is with this sense of integrity and humility that I present this work—not as a definitive judgment, but as a sincere contribution to a conversation that must continue.
The Literature Times: In your view, what is the role of police training academies in transforming the mindset of officers and preparing them for modern-day challenges, including mental health and ethical policing?
Devanssh Mehta: A Glimpse of Hope: Mental Health in Policing
One of the most urgent and overlooked dimensions I encountered during my research is the mental health of police personnel. While they are trained to confront crime, manage public unrest, and respond to emergencies, very little support exists for the emotional and psychological toll this work takes on them.
As of now, there is no formal documentation or structured integration of mental health frameworks within police protocols. Officers are often left to internalize trauma, suppress stress, and continue working without any emotional outlet—resulting in burnout, depression, and in extreme cases, even suicide.
However, there is a silver lining. Several NGOs, mental health advocates, and healthcare professionals have begun working at the grassroots level to create awareness and initiate informal support systems. A growing number of civil society stakeholders now recognize that mental fitness is as important as physical strength in law enforcement.
Encouragingly, there are now discussions to include mental health modules in official police training manuals. This shift—though gradual—is a sign of progress. Once these programs are institutionalized, they will not only improve the well-being of officers but also enhance public service delivery, decision-making, and crisis management on the ground.
As a writer, I have dedicated a significant portion of this book to highlighting these concerns and offering practical, culturally-rooted solutions. Because a force that safeguards the nation must first be safeguarded within.
The Literature Times: What message would you like to give to young readers or aspiring civil servants who are considering a career in the Indian Police Service after reading your book?
Devanssh Mehta: A Message to Aspirants: Clarity, Conviction, and Service
This book is not just for academicians, policymakers, or those already in uniform. It is also for every aspirant who dreams of serving the nation—whether through the armed forces, paramilitary forces, or the police.
To them, I say this: have a clear vision, a focused mind, and a stress-free conviction. The journey is not easy. The path demands discipline, sacrifice, and resilience. But with a calm mind, a grounded heart, and an unshakable belief in your purpose, you will find your way.
Service to the society must not be seen only as a job in uniform—it must be approached as a lifelong commitment to nation-building, whether through enforcement, education, health, or reform. Let your intentions remain noble, your training honest, and your journey ethical.
This book is my contribution to that spirit—a call to courage, reform, and compassion in Indian policing and beyond.
