Annual Report 1999-2000 the strengths and weaknesses of the organization and structure of the police force, see how the gap between public expectations and police performance can be filled, and envision a new-look, people-fnendly and fighting-fit police force, which can win the confidence and trust of the people and at the same time effecdvely tackle the problems oforganized crime, militancy and terrorism. Establishment of Human Rights Cells In State Police Headquarters 3.29 With the increase in the number of complaints against members of the police force, the Commission considered it necessary to promote appropriate in-house machinery in the State Police Headquarters to help deal with this problem. 3.30 On 9 March 1999, the Commission convened a Conference of the Directors General of Police of the various States, which considered the issues involved, and arrived at a consensus to create 'Human Rights Cells' in the Police Headquarters in all the States. These Cells are to be headed by an officer of the rank ofan Additional Director General of Police or Inspector General of Police. A panel of names of three selected officers, known for their reputation, integrity, efficiency and impartiality is to be called for from the State DGPs, and on due verification, one of the three officers is to be approved by the Commission and the views communicated to the concerned State DGP to appoint him as Additional DGP/IGP (Human Rights), to be in-charge of the Human Rights Cell at the State Police Headquarters. 3.31 All the State Governments have now confirmed the constitution of such a Cell in the Office of the Director General of Police. 3.32 On 2 August 1999, elaborate guidelines were formulated and communicated to the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of all the States to ensure effective functioning of these Human Rights Cells. This was followed by a letter to the Chief Ministers of all States fhDm the Chairperson of the Commission on 1 January 2000 (Annexure III). The purpose of this exercise was to ensure that every State/Police Department had a credible and effective mechanism with which to sensitise the State Police personnel at various levels, to the need to recognise, respect and protect the human rights of the citizenry. These Human Rights Cells are also expected to help deal with complaints made against the police, develop training curricula, organise workshops and spread human rights awareness through publications and the media. The Commission hopes that the establishment of such cells will help to reduce human rights violations by the police personnel, enhance the image of the police and increase the trust of the public in the police. Guidelines to Minimise the Scope of Misuse/Abuse of Power of Arrest by the Police 3.33 Arrest involves restriction of liberty of the person arrested, and therefore, infringes the basic human right of liberty. Nevertheless, the Constitution of India as well as 26