Indian Police Service

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This article is about the Indian Police Service. For the police in India, see Law enforcement in India.
Indian Police Service
IPS Seal
Official seal of the Indian Police Service
Service overview
Abbreviation I.P.S.
Formed 1948[1]
Country  India
Training ground Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad
Controlling authority Ministry of Home Affairs
Legal personality Government service
General nature Federal law enforcement
Preceding service Imperial Police Service (1893–1948)[1]
Cadre size 3899 (2009) posts[2]
Service colour Dark blue and red
        
Uniform colour Khaki [3]
    
Website Official site
Service Chief
Director Intelligence Bureau (IB)
Current: Nehchal Sandhu
Head of the Civil Services
Cabinet Secretary
Current: Ajit Seth

The Indian Police Service (Hindi: भारतीय पुलिस सेवा, Bhāratīya Pulis Sevā), simply known as Indian Police or IPS, is one of the three All India Services of the Government of India.[4] In 1948, a year after India gained independence from Britain, the Imperial Police (IP) was replaced by the Indian Police Service.

The IPS is not a law enforcement agency; rather it is a civil service in which officers are selected on the basis of professional merit as proven by competitive examinations, and to which all police officers are professionally identified. Police officers are employed by the police departments of respective states of India.

Contents

[edit] Objectives

The First Police Commission, appointed on 17 August 1865, contained detailed guidelines for the desired system of police in India and defined police as a governmental department to maintain order, enforce the law, and prevent and detect crime. The Indian Police Service is not a force itself but a service providing leaders and commanders to staff the state police and all-India Para-Military Forces. Its members, who are all at least university graduates, are the senior officers of the police. With the passage of time Indian Police Service's objectives were updated and redefined, the rules and functions of an Indian Police Service Officer are as follows:[5]

Armored vehicles and personnel of the Mumbai Police Force.
Greater Chennai Police patrol car.
  • Last but not the least, to lead and command the force with courage, uprightness, dedication and a strong sense of service to the people.
  • Endeavour to inculcate in the police forces under their command such values and norms as would help them serve the people better.
  • Inculcate integrity of the highest order, sensitivity to aspirations of people in a fast-changing social and economic milieu, respect for human rights, broad liberal perspective of law and justice and high standard of professionalism.

[edit] History

Much before the Independence, superior police officers belonging to the Imperial Police (IP) were appointed by the Secretary of State on the basis of competitive examination. The very first open civil service examination for the service was held in England in June, 1893 and the top ten candidates were appointed as probationers of the Indian (Imperial) Police. However, it is not possible to pinpoint a date on which it could positively be claimed that the Indian Police came into being. In around 1907, the Secretary of State’s officers were directed to wear the letters "IP" on their epaulettes to distinguish them from the other officers not recruited by the Secretary of State. In this sense, 1907 could be regarded as the starting point for the Indian Police.[1]

[edit] Reforms ordered by the Supreme Court (1996-2006)

Prakash Singh, one of the former Director Generals of Police of the states of Assam and subsequently Uttar Pradesh and finally Director General of the Border Security Force, initiated a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court of India, asking the court to investigate measures to reform the police forces across India to ensure the proper rule of law and improve security across India.[6]

Several measures were identified as necessary to professionalize the police in India:

  • A mid or high ranking police officer must not be transferred more frequently than every two years.
  • The state government cannot ask the police force to hire someone, nor can they choose the Chief Commissioner.
  • There must be separate departments and staff for investigation and patrolling.

Three new authorities will be created in each state, to prevent political interference in the police and also to make the police accountable for their heavy-handedness,[7] which will include the creation of:

  • A State Security Commission for policies and direction
  • A Police Establishment Board, which will decide the selection, promotions and transfers of police officers and other staff
  • A Police Complaints Authority, to inquire into allegations of police misconduct.

In 2006, due to a lack of action by all the state governments in India, the Supreme Court of India ordered the state governments to report to it why the reform measures outlined were not implemented.[8] After being questioned in front of the judges of the Supreme Court of India, the state governments are finally starting to reform the police forces and give them the operational independence they need for fearless and proper law enforcement.Tamil Nadu Police has been in the forefront of application of the new referendum.[9]

[edit] Cadre strength

The authorized cadre strength of Indian Police Service is 4720. (3270 Direct Recruitment Posts and 1450 Promotional Posts).[10]

[edit] Examination and Training

National Police Memorial New Delhi

To serve in the IPS one has to be elevated from the state cadre or get a decent rank in the rigorous Civil Services Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission every year which is a common examination for selection to All India Services, including the IAS and various other Group A and Group B services of Central Government.[11]

Civil Services Examination has a three stage competitive selection process. At stage one, there is an objective type examination called the preliminary exam. This is a qualifying examination. It consists of General Studies & aptitude test. Only the candidates who clear this, can appear for the next stage called the Main examination which consists of nine papers. Each candidate has to select two optional subjects, apart from which all candidates have to take a General Studies, Essay and compulsory language paper and English paper. This is followed by an interview.

After selection for the IPS, candidates are allocated their Cadres. There is one cadre in each Indian state, except for three joint cadres: Assam-Meghalaya, Manipur-Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories (AGMUT). As per Indian Constitution 2/3 of the strength of every cadre is filled by direct IPS officers and rest 1/3 is elevated from respectve state cadre officers. Each state and union territory of India has a state police force, headed by the Commissioner of Police (State) or Director General of Police (DGP). It is controlled by the Chief Minister and Home Minister of the state/union territory. The state police is responsible for maintaining law and order in townships of the state and the rural areas. States such as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have taken steps to get their police force trained by advanced police training schools notably the Atlanta City Police of the USA. The Tamil Nadu state police is at the forefront of advancement with the Tamil Nadu Police Academy, which now seeks university status. The advanced training that the Tamil Nadu Police undergo vary from fraud investigation to advanced patrol training. This training when completed will make the Tamil Nadu Police one of the most advanced police forces in India. City Police Services on the other hand are known for their one lesson fits all attitude. The Indian Police Forces have been trying to secure better training and capabilities for their personnel, but with indifferent success due to their own encumbered structure. Police Service officers Pay according to 6th Pay Commission (Official Indian Govt. Page)|accessdate=2009-06-20}}</ref>:

Grade Position In The State Government(s) Pay Band[clarification needed] Equivalent Position or Designation In the State Government(s) or Government Of India (GOI)
Above Super Time Scale (Apex Scale) Commissioner of Police (State) INR80,000 (fixed) plus grade pay-Nil Director General of Police - Only one cadre post, all other DGPs are in HAG + scale of Rs 75,500-80,000, Director (GOI), Director General (GOI), Secretary (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI)
Above Super Time Scale (HAG)(Pay-Band-4) Special Commissioner of Police INR67,000-INR79,000 Additional Director General of Police, Commissioner of Police (City), Special or Additional Director (GOI), Special or Additional Secretary (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI)
Super Time Scale (Senior Administrative Grade)(Pay-Band-4) Joint Commissioner of Police INR37,400-INR67,000 plus grade pay of INR10,000 Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police (City), Joint Secretary if empanelled as such (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI)
Super Time Scale (DIG/Conservator Grade)(Pay-Band-4) Additional Commissioner of Police INR37,400-INR67,000 plus grade pay of INR8900 Deputy Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police (City), Director (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI)
Selection Grade(Pay-Band-4) Deputy Commissioner of Police if in the Selection Grade INR15,600-INR39,100 plus grade Pay of INR8700 Senior Superintendent of Police, Director (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI)
Junior Administrative Grade(Pay-Band-3) Deputy Commissioner of Police, also designated as Senior Superintendent in certain States such as UP and Punjab INR15,600-INR39,100 plus grade pay of INR7600 Superintendent of Police, Deputy Secretary (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI)
Senior Time Scale (Pay-Band-3) Deputy Commissioner of Police / Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police INR15,600-INR39,100 plus grade pay of INR6600 Additional Superintendent of Police - if placed as such
Junior Time Scale(Pay-Band-3) Assistant Commissioner of Police INR15,600-INR39,100 plus grade pay of INR5400 Deputy Superintendent of Police, Circle Officer, Senior Field Officer (R) Cabinet Secretariat (GOI)

[edit] Ranks and insignia

Main article: List of police ranks in India

[edit] Ranks of the IPS

All State Police Services officers of and above the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in State Police and Metropolitan Police forces respectively.[12]


  • National Emblem above Crossed Sword and Baton (same insignia as a Lieutenant-General in the Indian Army)


  • One Star above Crossed Sword and Baton (same insignia as a Major-General in the Indian Army)


  • National Emblem above three stars in a triangle (same insignia as a Brigadier in the Indian Army)


  • National Emblem above two stars (same insignia as a Colonel in the Indian Army)
  • Deputy Commissioner of Police (Selection grade) or Senior Superintendent of Police in selection grade with 13+ years of service (IPS officers posted in insurgency infested states such as J&K also wear this rank before 13 years of service to facilitate coordination and interaction with Commanding Officers of paramilitary and the Indian Army though technically it is illegal)[1]
  • Deputy Secretary(ies) (R), Cabinet Secretariat, (Government of India)
  • Other officers above selection grade
  • National Emblem above one-star (same insignia as a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Indian Army)


  • National Emblem (same insignia as a Major in the Indian Army)


  • Three stars (same insignia as a Captain in the Indian Army)


  • Two stars (same insignia as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army)


[edit] Insignia of the IPS

The Indian Police Service (IPS) uses military insignia on its shoulder flashes, similar to United Kingdom police forces.

Indian Police Service Officer Rank Insignia
Insignia Director IB Insignia.png Director General of Police.png Inspector General of Police.png Deputy Inspector General of Police.png Senior Superintendent of Police.png Superintendent of Police.png Additional SP IPS.png DySP IPS.png Assistant SP IPS 2.png Assistant SP IPS 1.png
Rank Director of Intelligence Bureau (GOI)¹ Commissioner of Police (State) or Director General of Police² Joint Commissioner of Police or Inspector General of Police Additional Commissioner of Police or Deputy Inspector General of Police Deputy Commissioner of Police or Senior Superintendent of Police Deputy Commissioner of Police or Superintendent of Police Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police or Additional Superintendent of Police Assistant Commissioner of Police or Deputy Superintendent of Police Assistant Superintendent of Police (Probationary Rank: 2 years of service) Assistant Superintendent of Police (Probationary Rank: 1 year of service)
Abbreviation DIB CP or DGP JCP or IGP ADL.CP or DIG DCP or SSP DCP or SP ADL.DCP or ASP ACP or DSP ASST.SP ASST.SP
  • ¹ Although DIB is a 4 star post and not a rank, it's given to the senior most IPS officer in Intelligence Bureau.
  • ² Rank insignia of CP/DGP is similar to Spl.CP/ADGP (not shown above).
  • Note: Commissioner of Police designation can only be used by ADL.CP/DIG, JCP/IGP and CP/DGP, where the latter is called Commissioner of Police (State) and the former ones Commissioner of Police (City).

[edit] Misconduct

Main article: Civil service reform in developing countries
Main article: Civil Service reform in India

As on March 31, 2010 a total number of 33 IPS officers were facing trial on criminal charges in Central Bureau of Investigation cases.[15] The misconduct and corruption among the IPS goes up to the top brass.[16] It has been seen and felt that some upright IPS officers resist corruption and political influence over them, but they cannot alone change a system which victimizes them through harassment and pressures from local politicians, frequent punitive transfers and threats to their families. In an instance, an IPS officer of 1985 batch of Maharashtra cadre dealt with high-profile cases like the US-64 scam and the Panna-Mukta oilfield deal uncovering uncomfortable facts, which he was not willing to conceal, at any cost. However, to prevent him from disturbing the status quo, he was shunted to insignificant postings while his contemporaries received accolades, medals and promotions.[17]

[edit] See also

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[edit] Notes

  1. ^ The rank of Second Lieutenant and its equivalents are no longer used by the Indian Armed Forces.[14]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c "Data History of Indian Police Service (Official Raj Govt. Page)". http://rajpolice.nic.in/ab-historyIP.htm. Retrieved 2010-04-26. 
  2. ^ "Shortfall of Indian Poilice Service officers: Home Minister of India". Taragana.com. http://blog.taragana.com/n/shortfall-of-ips-officers-worrying-says-chidambaram-13914/. Retrieved 2009-07-09. 
  3. ^ "Why is the colour of the Indian police uniform khaki?". The Times of India. 2007-03-03. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/open-space/Why-is-the-colour-of-the-Indian-police-uniform-khaki/articleshow/1719969.cms. Retrieved 2010-05-11. 
  4. ^ "IPS, IAS and IFS: All India Services (Government of India)". http://persmin.nic.in/EmployeesCorner/Acts_Rules/AISRule/AISManual_Updated_27112007/2.The%20All%20India%20Services%20Act,%201951.pdf. Retrieved 2009-04-13. 
  5. ^ "Duties and Responsibilities of Indian Police Service officers". UPSCguide.com. http://www.upscguide.com/UPSC/UPSC_exam/civil_services/CS_services/CS_IPS.htm. Retrieved 2009-12-19. 
  6. ^ Prasad, Devika; Caroline Avanzo (2006-11-05). "Seize the opportunity". Chennai, India: The Hindu. http://www.hindu.com/op/2006/11/05/stories/2006110500691400.htm. Retrieved 2007-09-12. 
  7. ^ Strip, Mobius; Ramesh Ramanathan (2007-05-07). "Sohrabbudin’s encounter: An article on Prakash Singh, IPS". The Wall Street Journal. http://www.livemint.com/2007/05/07001735/Sohrabbudins-encounter.html. Retrieved 2007-09-12. 
  8. ^ "The Supreme Court of India takes the lead on police reform: Prakash Singh vs. Union of India". http://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/programs/aj/police/india/initiatives/writ_petition.htm. Retrieved 2007-09-12. 
  9. ^ Das, Sunrat (2007-05-06). "Board to lend ears to transfer woes". http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070507/asp/frontpage/story_7741733.asp. Retrieved 2007-09-12. 
  10. ^ http://mha.nic.in/pdfs/ips_cadre_stren.pdf
  11. ^ "Awaaz India Pvt. Ltd - About Indian Police Service". http://www.awaazindia.net/ips.html. Retrieved 2009-07-20. 
  12. ^ "Modern ranks and insignia of IPS and SPS Officers Bio". http://www.onestopias.com/indian-police-service/modern-ranks.asp. Retrieved 2010-01-20. 
  13. ^ "Diector, Intelligence Bureau's Insignia Equivalent to Armed Forces Generals". Government of India. http://www.persmin.nic.in/EmployeesCorner/Acts_Rules/AISRule/IPSRules/IPS(Uniform)Rules(Revised).htm#_ftnref21. Retrieved 2009-07-27. 
  14. ^ "2nd Lieutenant Rank Obsolete in the Indian Armed Forces". http://www.ordersofbattle.darkscape.net/site/ranks/india.html. Retrieved 2010-04-26. 
  15. ^ "2010: 110 IAS, IPS officers face criminal charges". Indian Express. 16 April 2010. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/110-ias-.../607346/. Retrieved 5 June 2011. 
  16. ^ "IPS: Bribe amounts depend on earning potential". Rediff News. 14 December 2004. http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/dec/14inter.htm. Retrieved 5 June 2011. 
  17. ^ "IPS officer resigns after political harassments, threats and non promotion". Rediff News. 15 December 2004. http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/dec/13inter.htm. Retrieved 5 June 2011. 

[edit] Further reading

  • History of services of Indian police service, as on 1 July 1966, by Ministry of Home Affairs, India. Published by Govt. of India, 1969.
  • The peace keepers: Indian Police Service (IPS)‎, by S. R. Arun, IPS, DGP Uttar Pradesh. Published by Berghahn Books, 2000. ISBN 9788170491071.
  • The Indian Police Journal (IPJ), by Bureau of Police Research and Development, Ministry of Home Affairs. Published by Govt. of India, October–December 2009 Vol.LVI-No.4. ISSN 0537-2429.
  • History of services of Indian police service, as on 1 July 1966, by Ministry of Home Affairs, India. Published by Govt. of India, 1969.
  • Writings of Amitabh Thakur,an officer of Indian Police Service

[edit] External links

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