Bhubaneswar,04,January 2019: In a significant decision, graduate constables and criminal intelligence havildars of Odisha Police have been given the power to investigate petty offences and make arrests.
A notification in this effect has been issued by the Odisha Home department following the order of the Governor. “In exercise of powers conferred by Section 157 of the code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), the Government of Odisha has approved the proposal of investigation in certain case by qualified Graduate Constables and Criminal Intelligence Havildars of Odisha Police,” the notification read.
These Graduate Constables and CI Havildars can now proceed to the spot to investigate the facts and circumstances of the case and if necessary can take measures for the recovery and arrest of offenders.
Director General of Police RP Sharma had earlier given a proposal in this regard to the Government. The Government after a thorough and careful examination has approved the proposal.
Sharma expressed his satisfaction over the decision and hoped that it would certainly help in prompt and quality investigation of cases with massive backlog clearance at the Police Station level
“It would also help in increasing the conviction rate which is not encouraging at present due to the paucity of quality investigation officers in the state police force. These Graduate Constables and CI Havildars can now be given the charge of investigation of certain petty offences under certain minor Acts having punishment up to 3 years,” Sharma said.
Sharma said for effective implementation of the order, these Graduate Constable and CI Havildar will be trained about all aspects of the investigation, starting from registration of FIR, writing of case diaries till submission of final form in the case.
“There will be 4-5 week institutional training at any recognized Police Training institutions and after that they will be given field training in the Police Station for a period of at least 45 days,” he added.
The DGP further said an examination will be conducted after completion of the training and power of investigation will be conferred to the eligible Graduate Havildar and Constables who successfully qualify the examination.
“The entrustment of such power to these two ranks shall not only broaden the pool of officers doing an investigation but shall also lead to a better investigation as the I.O, with lesser no. of cases will have more time to devote to a case. This will also be a big morale booster to personnel in these ranks and will improve their overall team spirit,” added DGP Dr. Sharma.
Prasanta Patnaik