Crime, Grime and Gumption

Former Indian Police Service officer O.P. Singh has the unique distinction of having commanded three premier police organizations for close to six years. He was chief of India's largest police force (Uttar Pradesh Police) and also the world's stand-alone and multi-skilled response force (the National Disaster Response Force). He was also chief of the Central Industrial Security Force mandated to secure critical infrastructure and vital installations of the country. A recipient of the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Police Medal for Gallantry, Singh is recognized for his role in introducing the police commissionerate system in UP.


Known for his innovative approach to law enforcement, he had led rescue operations during the 2015 Nepal earthquake. After retirement, he has been on advisory assignments to various institutions and served as the independent external monitor for Oil India Ltd, Cochin Shipyard Ltd and the Department of Post, Government of India. He is the security and risk adviser at NatWest Group Services and CEO of the India Child Protection Fund, an organization involved in protecting children from exploitation and abuse.


Besides reading, he enjoys listening to music, travelling and mentoring young aspirants for the civil services.

A 1983 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, O.P. Singh donned various roles in the state and central services. Through his tenure, he witnessed several challenges, from the tackling of militancy in Kheri to managing disasters such as the April 2015 Nepal earthquake and the Srinagar and Chennai floods of 2014 and 2015, respectively. The Ayodhya verdict, Citizenship Amendment Act protests, the Kumbh Mela and Lok Sabha polls of 2019 all tested this officer's mettle.

From the dusty plains of Gaya, Bihar, to the swampy and terror-infested wetlands of Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, Crime, Grime and Gumption is an honest and hard-hitting account of law enforcement and governance in the Hindi belt of India. As the ‘policewallah’ gives you a peek into the world of the khaki in this memoir, you will be left thirsting for more.

‘. . . a testament to a life dedicated to upholding law and order, safeguarding communities and navigating the intricate landscapes of justice and human experience’‘It is difficult to exist so firmly and transparently in the public space and yet have the passion to share the good, the bad and the ugly with the world at large . . . a reflection of the most powerfully effective man in the state of Uttar Pradesh as he turns a new page in his life’‘O.P. Singh’s innovative leadership, perseverance and visionary approach . . . marked a turning point, leading to improved crime management and a more efficient police force’‘Expertly written, this memoir is a compelling and highly recommended read’‘This book not only chronicles his professional exploits but also offers a glimpse into the man behind the uniform, providing inspiration for aspiring officers and the public alike. It stands as a testament to a life devoted to the relentless pursuit of justice and the tireless safeguarding of society’Singh's accounts and personal experiences make the book a must-read for police officers and aspiring civil servants, even as it enthrals readers with his evocative writing.Crime, Grime and Gumption, a fascinating book by OP Singh, is an unconventional account of his long, decorated and diverse career in the Police service — illuminating the path for IPS probationers and offering insights for scholars, politicians, civil servants, and training institutes of administrative services.