Like a step ladder the Indian Police Force has a set up in the form of a hierarchy with different ranks. Officers belong to a rank system and each rank is awarded with a certain badge that represents rank and roles of the officer. The system aids in organization of the police and forms a chain of command which is necessary for regular work of the forces. Perhaps let’s have a look at all the those police ranks what they are and what badges they have. These ranks can be divided into 4 parts.
- Top officers
- Middle and Junior Officers
- Constables and Head Constables
- Special Badge Units
Top Officers
Director General of Police(DGP)
The DGP is one of the most senior roles in a state’s police force hierarchy.
They supervise all the police activities, they are in charge of security throughout the state.
The badge of a DGP has the national emblem, a lion and a crossed sword and a baton.
If they are at the top of their corporate hierarchy a star is placed over the emblem.
In organizational structure the DGP works in coordination with the state government and other high ranking officials for the successful enforcement of laws and policies.
A DGP typically oversees several ADGPs, IGPs, DIGs, SPs, and their corresponding teams.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)
The ADGP assists the DGP and normally the ADGP has jurisdiction for specific ministries that include law and order, intelligence, or crime.
They assist in the development of proper strategies and the adaptation of policies in their respective fields.
The badge of the ADGP resembles that of the DGP having the national emblem and sword and a baton but not having the star.
This position needs a vast experience and skills in the coordination of big operations mainly within police forces.
They manage multiple IGPs and their teams, which can include thousands of officers.
Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Every IGP is in charge of a zone and this is made up of several districts. On average there are 5 to 15 IGPs in every state depending on its size.
They have the responsibility of overseeing the conduct and efficient performance of duty on the side of the police in their operational zone.
The badge of the IGP has the national emblem with symbol of the three stars in the arrangement of a triangle beneath it.
The IGP has a critical responsibility regarding the preservation of law and order and internal communication of various districts that fall under their zone.
Every IGP has potentially hundreds to thousands of officers under their command.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)
They help the IGP and are involved in overseeing the job of Superintendents of Police for the districts falling under their jurisdiction. Their jurisdiction ranges to a number of districts.
Typically hundreds of SPs come under a DIG.
The badge for a DIG has the national emblem and two stars directly underneath the emblem.
It also plays the role of ensuring that the police stations that fall under its jurisdiction adhere to correct procedures as well as case management.
Superintendent of Police (SP)
These are authority figures who head the police force in a district.
Among their key functions belong a preservation of the law and order, combatting crime, and managing crises situations.
The SP or SSP oversees the functioning of all the police stations in his area of jurisdiction.
SP commands ASPs, DSPs, Inspectors and other officers.
The badge that an SP or SSP wears consists of the emblem of the country and the figure of one star below it.
They also maintain touch with other police units and the district authorities.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP)
DySPs and ACPs must work in small regions of the district, either subdivision or circle.
They are directly responsible for overseeing operations of police stations existing in their region and directing them.
DySPs and ACP hold a badge that comprises of three stars.
They are involved in crime detection, security of public functions, and local community conflicts.
Middle and Junior Officers
Inspector of Police
The inspectors are the commanders of police stations. In that capacity they handle all the matters of the station, crime, other officers beneath them, security of their area of jurisdiction that is the station.
For the rank of an Inspector, a badge is worn with three stars.
They are in charge of the correct carrying out of investigations and the adherence of police officers to legal regulations.
Sub-Inspector of Police (SI)
SIs help Inspectors and can sometimes head sub stations or a unit of a station.
It is directly involved in investigation, attends to emergency incidents and undertakes general police duties.
The rank of a Sub-Inspector, and hence the badge associated with it has two stars on it.
Several of the responsibilities of SIs include; contributing to community policing, dealing with people and their complaints.
Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police (ASI)
They assist SIs, and Inspectors in their tasks for the management of ASIs.
They may carry out duties such as keeping records, investigation of petty cases, and over matters relating to the station.
Consequently the designation for the badge of an ASI is one star.
ASIs are usually the officers who have most direct contact with the common public as regards day to day problems and grievances.
Constables and Head Constables
Head Constable
Head Constables rank higher in experience to that of the ordinary Constables and have supervisory duties to perform.
They are involved in the coordination of the functioning of the station,
they participate in investigations, and they offer directions to other officers who have less experience.
The rank badge of a Head Constable is three stripes which point downwards. They are crucial in enforcing discipline and order within the precincts of the police station as well as in operations outside the station.
Constable
Police constables are perhaps the most numerous of all the police officers.
These include policing neighborhoods, controlling traffic, helping in crime related investigation, ensuring people’s orderliness among others.
Constables are often the early responders to an incident that happens in the society.
Their badges are not as elaborate and tend to have only one stripe and even if they have designs on them, it shows they are junior officers.
Being police officers, constables are representatives of law enforcement agencies in the community and work with the people on a daily basis.
Special Badges and Units
Special Task Force (STF)
The STF is a specialized unit trained to handle high-risk situations like catching dangerous criminals, conducting anti-terror operations, and dealing with organized crime.
Members of the STF often work undercover and are equipped with advanced weapons and technology.
They have special badges that show their unique role in the police force.
The STF is known for its quick response and ability to handle complex and dangerous missions.
Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS)
The ATS primarily deals with antic-terrorist measures and counterterrorism.
It takes out espionage, investigations in relation to counter-terrorism, and tries to prevent terror acts.
Terrorism is combated with other national and international agencies through the ATS.
Most officers operating within the ATS are specially trained in handling counter-terrorism operations and most of them can be easily identified by badges.
Conclusion
Different ranks and badges in the Indian Police Force bring out a clear structure and chain of command.
Thus the role of this organization is to ensure that police force in the country is efficient and effective.
There are different ranks with their unique working schedules Common jobs and responsibilities are to maintain law and order.
Apart from this, the badges distinguish the rank of the officers and assist members of the public to recognize them.
It helps the policy headquarters to act in unity, a factor that assures safety and security within the society.
