The Centre’s submission before the Supreme Court on an umbrella scheme for modernising police forces is a step in the right direction, but it also underscores a familiar pattern—policy intent moving faster than on-ground execution. The installation and maintenance of CCTVs is not merely a technological upgrade but a cornerstone of accountability in policing. If the proposed modernisation scheme is to be meaningful, it must go beyond budgetary allocations and focus on measurable outcomes—fully functional surveillance systems, transparent monitoring mechanisms, and strict accountability for lapses. The Centre and states must treat police reforms as an urgent governance priority rather than a compliance exercise triggered by court scrutiny. Without sustained commitment, even the most well-funded schemes risk becoming yet another addition to the long list of unfulfilled reforms.