Community policing and social responsibility: examining the role of the Village Defence Organisation in Assam, India

Community policing is increasingly recognised as a participatory approach to improving public safety through collaboration between the police and local communities. This study examines the role of the Village Defence Organisation (VDO) in Assam, India, in promoting social responsibility, fostering police-community partnerships, and supporting grassroots development. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study draws on primary data collected from 240 Village Defence Party (VDP) members across the districts of Nagaon, Golaghat, and Barpeta through surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. The findings show that the VDO makes important contributions to crime prevention, night patrolling, disaster response, community awareness, and other community service activities while enhancing public trust and citizen participation in policing. However, inadequate training, limited institutional support, and resource constraints continue to affect its effectiveness. The study argues that greater capacity building, improved logistical support, and sustained community engagement would enhance the effectiveness of voluntary policing institutions. The findings demonstrate that the VDO represents a distinctive model of community policing that advances participatory governance, social responsibility, and community resilience in developing societies.