They may be sentinels of the democratic exercise called elections. But polls are a nightmare for them. Always caught in the crossfire between people and politicians, police — right from the highest ranking officer down to constables — are perpetually on their toes to ensure smooth and hassle-free elections.

"Election time for policemen is like 20 fires ablaze at the same time. So you can imagine the situation we're in," Director General of Police and Chairman and Managing Director Karnataka State Housing Corporation Limited R Sri Kumar told Metrolife. He should be knowing as he is in the midst of another election. Taking queries from Metrolife amidst answering endless phone calls, issuing last minute instructions and also reviewing a brief presentation for election purposes, he, however, said: "Some elections could be a pleasant affair if they are peaceful."
According to Halasuru police inspector M L Purushotham, about 95 per cent of those involved in electioneering keep to the rule but it is the remaining five per cent who create havoc.

"Inspectors of that particular area know who the culprits are but most often officers are shuffled around for election duty. Then, it becomes a problem to identify the culprits. There's no friendship with anyone until the elections are over," Purushotham observed.

He said elections have always been a largely peaceful affair in the State and in the City in particular. The police expect elections this time too to be a peaceful affair.

"Thanks to the strictures issued by the Election Commission, a lot of the contestants and their supporters are adhering to rules making our job easier. I expect a lot of youngsters to come and vote, women too will turn up in large numbers. People are fed up with the present system and will take extra efforts to be party to constructive change," said a top police officer in the Intelligence Bureau.

But women police officers enjoy elections for a different reason: There's a certain honour, respect and fear surrounding women police officers and constables who are deputed on election duty.

"There's a belief that women police are more law abiding and enforce rules without fear or favour. The faith that women officers can deliver justice is strong among the people," said Anjumala T Nayak, inspector Women's Police Station, Halasuru.

She says women officers and constables don't usually encounter violent situations.
Cases of harassment and people coming to provoke people to vote for a particular party is a thing of the past, says head constable Rajalakshmi, who has managed election duty in the City.

The police definitely are victims of all sort of temptations and threats during elections. Some fall prey to them, while others who manage to hold their own are "shown their places" if the aggrieved party comes to power.