The Role and Functions of the Superintendent of Police at the District level.

The importance of the district in police administration is equal to its importance in civil administration. All the laws and rules of the state are put into practice at district level.

While civil administration in the district is headed by an IAS officer, the District Collector and the police administration is headed by an IPS officer—the Superintendent of Police (SP).

Technically, the Collector is overall in-charge of the District Administration but, in practice, the SP and his subordinate officers enjoy operational autonomy to a large extent.

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SP is empowered to take preventive measures to ensure peace and tranquility in the district! He has to assess the requirements and make adequate police arrangements for various situations like fairs and festivals as well as elections and agitations, etc.

The SP is responsible for maintenance of law and order in his district and he is accountable to his range in-charge the DIG and to the IGP/DGP at the State Headquarters for the efficiency, morale and discipline of the police force in the district.

In general administration of the police force additional Superintendent of Police helps the SP in day-to-day functioning, while at sub-divisional, circle and local police station levels Deputy Superintendents of Police, Circle Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, etc., assist him in their respective field positions.

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Problems Faced by a Rural Police Station.

To serve the rural population, the Police Stations are located generally in taluka or block headquarters or in major villages of the area. A village Police Station is headed by the Station House Officer, assisted by the Assistant Sub-Inspector and others.

The number of police officials depends upon the population size and incidence of crimes. The Police Stations in rural areas face many problems.

While the responsibilities of Rural Police Stations include assisting in resolving popular grievances besides ensuring law and order, the working and living conditions are very poor.

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Basic infrastructure is absent and the officials posted there face the difficulties of transportation and communication. They also find it difficult to get proper residential accommodation. Moreover, Rural Police Stations are neither properly equipped nor have suitable buildings.