Crime, Grime & Gumption is the story of a young boy from Bihar who builds his dreams while in Allahabad University, later Delhi University and lands up training at the police academy to finally reach the post of Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh Police Force.
Actions speak louder than words, but words turn actions into memories. Singh’s story isn’t all glory and bouquets, it’s about brickbats, grit and demands of a hard-core profession.
A 1983-batch Indian Police Service officer from the Uttar Pradesh (UP) cadre, Singh’s 37-year tenure spanned several positions in central government services, such as the Central Industrial Security Force and the National Disaster Response Force. Witness to several sensitive events, he tackled the insurgency in Lakhimpur Kheri regions, supervised the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, maintained law and order during the Ayodhya verdict and ensured a smooth Kumbh Mela in 2019. A large feather to his cap was establishment of the Commissionerate system in Lucknow and Noida, days before his retirement. At the international scale, he overlooked the relief operations of the Indian Aid teams in the 2015 Nepal earthquake.
Singh has a creative storytelling style, something unique for a police officer. To every incident, there is a nostalgic touch. For every daring step, he has to leave personal bonds and commitments in the background. His mother and wife have been his silent pillars. His father’s indelible mark on his thoughts and actions are visible in the reminiscing parts. He introduces the reader to his family at home, and his family of mentors, colleagues, and the higher-ups in the government. Many of the names we know, some are new for us.
Singh has not shied away from opening the lid on the controversies, trials and redemption. This journey was nothing less than a drama that we see on the silver screen. Extortion, murder, civil unrest, tough measures, maintaining a compassionate outlook for his brethren and the civil society, Singh has travelled a dark road.
Singh’s journey takes us to the wild terrains of Terai, to the borders of Nepal, the onslaught of terrorists, the cruelty of poachers, the violence of public demonstrations and the traps created by coalition governments.
He talks about his run-in and suspension by Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati. He talks about the trust the Samajwadi Party Chief, late Mulayam Singh Yadav, placed in him. He touches upon cleaning up the mafia, with a free rein given by current Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Singh takes us through many faces of India, things we have seen on TV or read in the newspapers. Singh gives us another view of the police force, the perils they undergo to keep the citizens safe and maintain law and order. He also reinforces that when criminals choose bloodshed, the police have no choice but to retaliate with the same weapons.
Through this memoir, we learn about the various law-enforcing institutions of the country, the sweeping reforms and the massive effort it takes to keep the civil law and order machinery running. From the 1984 Sikh riots to the 2014 floods of Kashmir, the 2015 earthquake of Nepal and more incidents, Singh’s journey is a thought-provoking one. What does it take to be a police officer, especially in the face of life-threatening situations, wearing the responsibility of the khaki? What steps would we take in the face of these situations?
He talks about the introduction of new technology, reforms in health insurance for the UP police personnel, updated training mechanisms, better cybercrime controlling measures. He also touches upon outdated policies, promotion of the constables and their welfare. He talks about connections with the civil society, the transparency of call to actions on complaints and the love showered upon him by happier sections of society.
From being apolitical and objective to getting caught in the snares of a political drama, Singh’s advice is to always follow the law. OP Singh’s memoir certainly gives us food for thought, touching upon the psychology, the challenges, the demands of being part of the civil law force.
All in all, Singh’s memoir is a page turner, a gripping read where the khaki demands 24X7 relentless work.
Book Details
Publisher: Ebury Press (Penguin Random House India)
Language: English
Paperback: 256 pages
Price: INR 499 (Kindle edition available)
This book review is part of the reviewer outreach programme by Penguin Random House. The views expressed are my own.
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile
Queen of Treasures 
A stiff review bringing forth the real essence of the book.
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I usually love memoirs but I don’t think I’ve read any by a law enforcement officer before. This does seem interesting, especially because it seems to cover India through the decades and feels like it’ll be a good read. Thanks for the cool review..!!!
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Retired IPS Officer OP Singh’s Memoir would surely make for interesting reading, I like to read about real-life incidents and behind-the-scenes action. He has covered the 1984 sikh riots and the political scene in UP too, all would make for compelling reading. Thanks for the review Ambica.
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I remember reading a memoir by another Police Officer a few years ago. i am always struck by how difficult their lives are, walking a tight rope between making sure the law is always followed with no regard to their personal fortunes/achievements.
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This is a book I will love to read. These are the people we should learn about and talk about to inspire other and also to get inspired. Officers like O. P Singh helped us to maintain respect for the Police force.
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Nice review
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Singh’s memoir sounds like a compelling page-turner that not only sheds light on the life of a police officer but also prompts readers to reflect on the broader issues of justice, governance, and public service. I’m definitely adding it to my reading list!
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Wow what an illustrious career to have, not to forget being a part of some historical events. Good to know that the book is realistic and not just a simple patriotic praise of the police.
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Such a relevant book for our times! Books like these help us understand our country better and bring us closer to reality. Loved reading your review of the book, looking forward to reading it soon.
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Reading your review for the second time around and ur review does showcase the essence of a Memoir. I bet it was quite an insightful read. Though, it’s a genre I wouldn’t real pick.
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Hi, I am always fascinated by reading about people in power in memoirs, biographies, or autobiographies. They take you through their thrilling office experiences, encounters with higher officers, and the systems. I haven’t read the book you have mentioned here. One day, I will read it. I am interested in knowing the real India through real people, not through media splashes and politicians’ claims.
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This book isn’t quite up my alley but I enjoyed reading your in-depth review.
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It’s refreshing to see a perspective from the frontlines of crime-solving. I’m intrigued to delve into this compelling read! The book seems to have a gripping narrative and the author’s firsthand experiences in law enforcement is cherry on the cake.
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After watching 12th Fail, I am in awe of the struggles and lives of the aspirants and their humble beginnings. The book as per review also showcases the life and journey of Mr. Singh and seems like an insightful read.
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wow this book review really took us into the world of the officer and memoirs are seldom read but this one would be interesting to read especially because it’s about a man who worked in police force of Uttar Pradesh. Thanks for sharing this review.
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though the genre isn’t whaat i usually read your review is in detail on what to expect as a reader from this book. Good that the book also includes the struggles and not just achievements
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A very different genre but your review embarks the reader to give it a try. Generally real life memoirs are heart wrenching but this seems to captivating too. Well penned.
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What an interesting book find! It sounds like this was a powerful read, and your review showcases the quality of the man and his journey.
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Those in the police force have a thankless job. They have it equally tough as our security forces but not the glory that goes with it. I haven’t picked up a memoir by a policeman in a while and would surely give this one a try. Thanks for sharing an in-depth review as always.
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