Police station administration may return to Sub-Inspectors; will take action soon after receiving the report, says Minister Chennithala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said that the government has not yet received the report of the ADGP-level committee studying whether the responsibility of police stations should be transferred back from Circle Inspectors (CIs) to Sub-Inspectors (SIs). He added that the government would take a decision that benefits the police force once the report is received.

Speaking at a press conference, the minister said that SIs had managed police stations efficiently when they were previously in charge. According to him, the enthusiasm and effectiveness of SIs declined after CIs, who earlier supervised multiple stations, were appointed as Station House Officers (SHOs). Chennithala said there is a growing view that the earlier system, in which SIs were responsible for running police stations, was more effective and helped ensure better functioning of stations.

According to indications, the committee may recommend handing over the charge of 376 out of Kerala's 484 police stations to SIs. However, CIs would continue to head 108 strategically important stations and those handling a large number of cases. These stations are expected to include those located in cities, high-profile areas and regions with significant VVIP presence.

Officials believe the earlier arrangement, under which a CI supervised two police stations, was more effective. Many officers who were promoted to the rank of Inspector after serving as SIs for nearly a decade are currently performing duties similar to those of SIs while carrying greater responsibilities. The report also notes that although some stations have two or three SIs, they are often assigned only minor responsibilities. As a result, many SIs have reportedly lost motivation after being removed from station administration roles. Even if station control is handed back to SIs, investigations into serious crimes such as POCSO cases and organised attack cases are expected to remain under the supervision of CIs.

New roles for Circle Inspectors
CIs who are relieved of direct station responsibilities may be assigned to investigate cybercrime, POCSO, narcotics, and financial fraud cases. They may also be posted to District Crime Branch units and Armed Reserve (AR) camps. The committee is also expected to recommend appointing one SI as the Principal SI in stations with multiple SIs. CIs may be given supervisory responsibility over two police stations, while DySPs would oversee up to nine stations.

Concerns over existing system

• According to the assessment, the earlier system, where a CI supervised three stations, provided better oversight. After that arrangement ended, the functioning of some police stations reportedly became less effective.
• The report also points out that the demanding nature of the SHO role has placed significant pressure on inspectors, particularly those above the age of 40. Several officers have reportedly suffered health issues, including heart attacks and strokes, due to work-related stress.

"The report of the committee headed by ADGP S. Sreejith, which is studying changes in the SHO system, has not yet been received. The study is still in progress."
-Ravada Chandrasekhar
State Police Chief