In India, police and paramilitary personnel are often expected to stay strong no matter the situation. Long duty hours, public pressure, exposure to violence, and constant alertness become a regular part of life. But very few people openly speak about the emotional exhaustion that comes with such work.
Rakesh Kumar Singh is among the few senior officers who have tried to bring attention to this issue through his writing.
Having spent nearly 30 years in the CRPF across conflict areas like Kashmir, Bastar, and the Northeast, Singh has seen first-hand how mental fatigue affects uniformed personnel. His book Behind the Uniform: Not Just a Cop talks openly about stress, emotional pressure, lack of personal time, and the psychological impact of policing and security duties.
According to Singh, the public often sees only one side of policing. People notice the authority, the uniform, and the system. What often gets ignored is the human being behind the role.
He points out that police personnel and security forces work under extreme pressure. Many remain separated from family for long periods. Their schedules are irregular, emergencies can happen anytime, and exposure to violence becomes emotionally draining over the years.
His book also raises an important discussion around emotional health in law enforcement. Singh believes that better emotional support, understanding leadership, and healthier work conditions are necessary for stronger policing systems.
What makes the book stand out is its honest tone. Rather than glorifying the profession, it tries to present the reality of life inside uniformed services.
As conversations around mental health grow in India, Singh’s work brings attention to a subject that has often remained ignored inside security institutions.