CHANDIGARH: Start with doubt. Test the evidence. Challenge assumptions. Check your bias. Don't rush to conclusions. These are the key lessons that Punjab Police drew from the 1957 critically acclaimed Hollywood movie '12 Angry Men' for the training of 200 sub-inspectors of the force's Bureau of Investigation who passed out in January.
The bureau presented these lessons during a month-long training session in Chandigarh in December, using the Sidney Lumet-directed courtroom drama as a case study. Bureau director and ADGP L K Yadav stated, '12 Angry Men provides valuable lessons for law enforcement in developing an investigative mindset.' He added that the bureau aimed to promote learning through 'unlearning,' a conscious process of discarding outdated assumptions and practices to make way for new skills. 'It is a cycle of learn, unlearn and relearn, involving self-reflection to replace obsolete practices with relevant, innovative approaches. This helps ensure uniform, efficient and effective investigation and prosecution,' he explained.
The film tells the story of 12 jurors deliberating whether an 18-year-old accused of killing his father is guilty. While 11 initially vote to convict, one juror calls for deeper scrutiny, urging others to examine evidence and eliminate reasonable doubt. The narrative highlights how personal biases can influence judgment, before all 12 eventually return a 'not guilty' verdict. Yadav presented a detailed analysis of the film, outlining the stance of each juror and drawing investigative lessons. He also sought feedback from the trainees.
The sub-inspectors were asked to watch the film and submit feedback as well. Some also watched its Hindi adaptation, 'Ek Ruka Hua Faisla.' Sub-inspector Avi Bansal, now posted in Moga, said trainees were given a week to submit feedback after the session. Another sub-inspector, Jatinder Singh, posted in Bathinda, noted that the exercise was part of their district practical training, which followed 13 months of basic training at Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, and field attachments before working as investigating officers.
