Indian Police Service

{{Short description|One of the All India Civil Services (IPS)}} {{About|the civil service, the Indian Police Service|the police in India|Law enforcement in India}} {{redirect|Indian Police Force|the web series|Indian Police Force (web series)}} {{other uses|Indian Police (disambiguation)}} {{Use British English|date=March 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}} {{Infobox | title = Indian Police Service | subheaderstyle = background:#800080; color:white; | subheader1 = Service Overview | image = 200px | captionstyle = | caption = '''Motto:''' {{lang|sa|सत्यमेव जयते}} {{small|(Sanskrit)}} "Truth Alone Triumphs" | image2 = 200px | label3 = Abbreviation | data3 = IPS | label4 = Date of establishment | data4 = {{start date and age|26 January 1950}} | label5 = Country | data5 = {{flag|India}} | label6 = Staff college | data6 = Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad, Telangana | label7 = Cadre controlling authority | data7 = Ministry of Home Affairs (Police-I Division) | label8 = Minister responsible | data8 = Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs | label9 = Legal personality | data9 = Governmental: Civil Service | label10 = Duties | data10 = Ensuring internal security, safety and security of public and public property, law and order, detection and prevention of crime, intelligence input collection and analysis, conduct combat operations. | label11 = Cadre strength | data11 = 5,047 members (2023) ''(4,344 officers in position; 703 position vacant)''<ref name="2023 IPS Cadre">{{cite web|title=Authorised Cadre Strength of the Indian Police Service (as on 01.01.2023)|url=https://ips.gov.in/pdfs/IPSCadreStrengths-2023_05062023.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs|access-date=22 November 2023}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | highest ranking = Director general of police | label12 = Selection | data12 = Civil Services Examination | label13 = Association | data13 = IPS Central Association | headerstyle = background:#800080; color:white; | header15 = Head of the All India Services | label16 = Cabinet Secretary | data16 = T. V. Somanathan, IAS | header17 = https://ips.gov.in/ }}

The '''Indian Police Service''' ('''IPS''') is the premier policing arm of the All India Services of Government of India.<ref>https://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/Revised_AIS_Rule_Vol_I_Rule_01.pdf Relevant articles for All India Services</ref> It replaced the Indian Imperial Police in 1948, a year after India became independent from the British Empire.

Along with the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS), the IPS is part of the All India Services<ref name="india-service">{{cite web|title=IPS, IAS and IFS: All India Services (Government of India)|url=http://persmin.nic.in/EmployeesCorner/Acts_Rules/AISRule/AISManual_Updated_27112007/2.The%20All%20India%20Services%20Act,%201951.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416205616/http://persmin.nic.in/EmployeesCorner/Acts_Rules/AISRule/AISManual_Updated_27112007/2.The%20All%20India%20Services%20Act,%201951.pdf|archive-date=16 April 2009|access-date=13 April 2009}}</ref> – its officers are employed by both the Union Government and by individual states governments.

The service provides leadership to various state and central police forces and law enforcement agencies including the Central Armed Police Forces (BSF, SSB, CRPF, CISF, and ITBP), the National Security Guard (NSG), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), Railway Protection Force (RPF), National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), Special Protection Group (SPG), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

==History== {{Rquote|Centre|There is no alternative to this administrative system... The Union will go, you will not have a united India if you do not have a good All-India Service which has the independence to speak out its mind, which has a sense of security that you will stand by your work... If you do not adopt this course, then do not follow the present Constitution. Substitute something else... these people are the instrument. Remove them, and I see nothing but a picture of chaos all over the country. |'''Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel''' in Constituent Assembly discussing the role of All India Services<ref name="Discussion in Constituent Assembly on role of Indian Administrative Service">{{cite web|url=http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/vol10p3a.htm|title=Discussion in Constituent Assembly on role of Indian Administrative|publisher=Government of India|access-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909090903/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/vol10p3a.htm|archive-date=9 September 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Save the integrity of the civil service">{{cite web|title=Save the integrity of the civil service|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/opinion/op-ed/020717/save-the-integrity-of-the-civil-service.html|access-date=18 September 2017|date=July 2017}}</ref><ref name="One Who Forged India’s Steel Frame">{{cite web|title=One Who Forged India's Steel Frame|url=http://www.boloji.com/index.cfm?md=Content&sd=Articles&ArticleID=15210|author=H.N. Bali|access-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730005641/http://www.boloji.com/index.cfm?md=Content&sd=Articles&ArticleID=15210|archive-date=30 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>|align=Centre|width=330px}}

=== Indian Imperial Police === {{multiple image | width = 90 | image1 = BombayPoliceJamadar pre1910.jpeg | alt1 = Jamadar (NCO) of the Bombay City Police 1910s | image2 = BombayArmedPoliceConstable pre1910.jpeg | alt2 = Armed Constable of the Bombay City Police 1910s | image3 = BombayPoliceSgt pre1910.jpeg | alt3 = NCO of the Bombay City Police 1910s | footer = Jamadar, constable, and sergeant – NCO positions opened to Indians until 1920 in the Indian Imperial Police }} thumb|left|upright|Indian Police Medal issued in 1940

In 1861, the Parliament of the United Kingdom introduced the Indian Councils Act 1861.<ref name="Comparative Criminal Justice Systems">{{cite book|title=Comparative Criminal Justice Systems|last=Shahidullah|first=Shahid M.|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Learning|year=2012|isbn=9781449604257|location=Burlington, Massachusetts}}</ref> The act created the foundation of a modern and professional police bureaucracy in India. It introduced a new cadre of police, called '''Superior Police Services''', later known as the Indian Imperial Police.<ref name="Comparative Criminal Justice Systems"/> The highest rank in the service was the inspector general<ref name="Comparative Criminal Justice Systems"/> for each province. The rank of inspector general was equated to that of a brigadier,<ref name="Army Police WoP">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/a-worrisome-slide-in-army-s-status/story-iiODBwoOubZOigw6il4XDP.html|title=A worrisome slide in Army's status|last=Bhullar|first=Colonel (Retd) Pritam|date=19 July 2015|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=8 September 2017}}</ref> and similar ranks in the Indian Armed Forces, as per a central warrant of precedence issued in 1937.{{efn|The rank of IGP is ranked and equated with the rank of Brigadier / equivalent rank of the Indian Armed Forced as per Warrant of Precedence – 1937, as per Ministry of Home Affairs' directions contained in Letter No 12/11/99-Pub II dated 26 December 1966. This Warrant of Precedence is compiled from a joint consideration of the existing Central Warrant of Precedence (which is till the rank of Major General) and Warrant of Precedence – 1937, as per Ministry of Home Affairs' directions contained in Letter No 12/11/99-Pub II dated 26 December 1966, the validity of which has been confirmed by Letter No 12/1/2007-Public dated 14 August 2007. The MHA confirmed in 2007 that the Old Warrant of Precedence shall be taken as a guide to determine ranks below those mentioned in the current WoP.}}<ref name="Army Police WoP"/>

In 1902–1903, a police commission was established to recommend reforms under Sir Andrew Fraser and Lord Curzon.<ref name="Police British Study">{{cite book|title=Police Reforms in India: An Analytical Study|last=Alexander|first=K.|publisher=Discovery Publishing Group|year=2006|isbn=9788183561280|location=New Delhi}}</ref> It recommended the appointment of Indians as officers in the police. Previously, Indians could rise only to the rank of an inspector, the senior N.C.O. position. However, they were not part of the Indian Imperial Police.<ref name="Police British Study"/> From 1920 onwards, the Indian Imperial Police was open to Indians, and the entrance examination for the service was conducted both in India and the U.K.<ref name="Police British Study"/>

thumb|A 1999 stamp dedicated to the 50th anniversary of IPS Before Independence, senior police officers belonging to the Imperial Police (IP) were appointed by the Secretary of State based on a competitive examination. The first open civil service examination for admittance to the service was held in England in June 1893, and the ten top candidates were appointed as probationers in the Indian Imperial Police. It is not possible to identify an exact date for when the Indian Police Service came formally into being.

Around 1907, the secretary of state's officers were directed to wear the letters "IP" on their epaulettes to distinguish them from other officers not recruited by the secretary through examination. Therefore, 1907 could be regarded as the starting point for the IPS.<ref name=history>{{cite web|url=http://rajpolice.nic.in/ab-historyIP.htm|title=Data History of Indian Police Service (Official Raj Govt. Page)|access-date=26 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503152957/http://rajpolice.nic.in/ab-historyIP.htm|archive-date=3 May 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1948, a year after India gained independence, the Imperial Police was formally replaced by the Indian Police Service.

=== Indian Police Service === The Indian Police Service was created under ''Article 312(2), XIV of the Constitution of India.''<ref name="Services under the Union and the states">{{cite web|url=http://lawmin.nic.in/olwing/coi/coi-english/Const.Pock%202Pg.Rom8Fsss(19).pdf|title=Part XIV of the Constitution of India- Services under the Union and the States – Article 312(2)|website=Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India|access-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203131448/http://lawmin.nic.in/olwing/coi/coi-english/Const.Pock%202Pg.Rom8Fsss(19).pdf|archive-date=3 December 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

As per media reports, there is a massive shortage of IPS officers in India, amounting to nearly 19% to 22% of the sanctioned strength.<ref name="IPS Shortfall"/><ref name="IPS Strength">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/908-posts-of-ips-officers-lying-vacant/articleshow/51480868.cms|title=908 posts of IPS officers lying vacant|date=20 March 2016|work=The Economic Times|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref>

====Medals and decorations==== {{Main|Police Medal (India)|President's Police Medal}}

Despite having a very small cadre strength, many IPS officers have been awarded the highest gallantry awards (Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra). The current national security advisor of India, Ajit Doval, was an IPS officer who earned the Kirti Chakra for his gallant actions during Operation Black Thunder. Though generally deployed in supervisory roles at senior levels, it is not uncommon for IPS officers to be in the field, taking an active part in maintaining law and order. IPS officers have been posted to various UN Missions, and several have been awarded the United Nations Medal. Many exceptional IPS officers have been awarded Padma awards from time to time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://police.un.org/en/half-century-of-advancing-womens-role-police-meet-kiran-bedi-first-indian-and-first-woman-to-head-un|title=Half a century of advancing women's role in police: Meet Kiran Bedi, the first Indian and the first woman to head the UN Police Division|access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-police-officer-wins-uns-international-female-peacekeeper-award-679232|title=Indian Police Officer Wins UN's International Female Peacekeeper Award|access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref>

==Objective== alt=Khaki-clad officers supervise a peaceful demonstration|thumb|Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind with Indian Police Service officers at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan in New Delhi, 2018.

The First Police Commission, appointed on 17 August 1865, contained detailed guidelines for the desired system of police in India and defined the police as a governmental department to enforce the law, maintain order, and to detect and prevent crime across the region. The Indian Police Service is not a force but a service providing leaders and commanders to staff the state police and all-India Central Armed Police Forces. Its members are the senior officers of the police. With time, the Indian Police Service's objectives were updated and redefined. The current roles and functions of an Indian Police Service officer are as follows:<ref name="IPS Duties & Responsibilities">{{cite web|url=http://www.upscguide.com/UPSC/UPSC_exam/civil_services/CS_services/CS_IPS.htm|title=Duties and Responsibilities of Indian Police Service officers|publisher=UPSCguide.com|access-date=19 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102111003/http://www.upscguide.com/UPSC/UPSC_exam/civil_services/CS_services/CS_IPS.htm|archive-date=2 January 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* To fulfil duties based on border responsibilities, in the areas of maintenance of public peace and order, crime prevention, investigation, and detection, collection of intelligence, VIP security, counterterrorism, border policing, railway policing, tackling smuggling, drug trafficking, economic offenses, corruption in public life, emergency management, enforcement of socioeconomics legislation, biodiversity and protection of environmental laws, etc. * Leading and commanding the Indian Intelligence Agencies like Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) etc., Indian Federal Law Enforcement Agencies, Civil and Armed Police Forces in all the states and union territories. * Led and commanded various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) which include the Central Police Organisations (CPO) such as Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Security Guard (NSG), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Vigilance Organisations and Indian Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. * To lead and command the force with courage, uprightness, dedication and a strong sense of service to the people. * Endeavor to teach 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 people's aspirations in a fast-changing social and economic milieu, respect for human rights, the broad liberal perspective of law and justice, and a high standard of professionalism.

==Recruitment== [[File: Police cap.jpg|thumb|upright=0.77|right|The peaked cap worn by Indian Police Service officers as part of their uniform code.]] IPS officers are recruited from the Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC. They are also promoted from State Police Services and DANIPS. However, at present, recruitment from Limited Competitive Examination has been put on hold.<ref name="IPS Shortfall">{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-states-reel-under-huge-shortfall-of-ips-officers-2207184|title=States reel under huge shortfall of IPS officers|last=Kumar|first=Manan|date=29 April 2016|website=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref>

===Training=== The training of IPS officer recruits is conducted at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. The authorized cadre strength of the Indian Police Service is 4920. (3270 Direct Recruitment Posts and 1650 Promotional Posts).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mha.nic.in/pdfs/ips_cadre_stren.pdf |title=Authorised Cadre Strength of the Indian Police Service (as of 01.01.2011) |access-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112000028/http://mha.nic.in/pdfs/ips_cadre_stren.pdf |archive-date=12 November 2011 |date=1 January 2011|publisher=nic.in }}</ref> The Civil List of IPS officers is an updated (annual) list maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India that lists the posting details of all IPS officers in India. This Civil List can be accessed from the MHA website. It allows searching for an IPS officer based on their name, batch, or cadre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mha1.nic.in/IPS_Query.asp|title=Indian Police Service (IPS) – Civil List 2017|website=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|access-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224155708/http://mha1.nic.in/IPS_Query.asp|archive-date=24 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> After completion of almost 2 years of training, IPS probationers are awarded a master's degree in criminal justice management from NALSAR University of Law.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nichenametla |first=Prasad |date=10 February 2023 |title=IPS probationers to become 'masters in criminal justice management' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/ips-probationers-to-become-masters-in-criminal-justice-management-1190077.html |website=Deccan Herald}}</ref>

=== State cadres ===

==== Cadre allocation policy ==== The Union Government announced a new cadre allocation policy for the All India Services in August 2017, touting it as a policy to ensure national integration of the bureaucracy as officers and ensure the All-India character of the services. Under the new policy, the existing 26 cadres have been divided into five zones in the new policy by the Department of Personnel and Training of the Government of India.<ref name="AIS New Cadre Policy">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-centre-amends-cadre-allocation-policy-to-protect-national-character-of-all-india-services-2536413|title=New cadre Policy which focuses on National Integration of All India |last=Dutta|first=Amrita Nayak|date=21 August 2017|website=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=21 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="New Cadre Policy">{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/new-cadre-policy-for-ias-ips-4810709/|title=New cadre policy for IAS, IPS|date=24 August 2017|website=The Indian Express|access-date=24 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/x5gb1MTwzWCn35dsdBKRqI/Govts-proposed-cadre-policy-for-IAS-IPS-officers-draws-ire.html|title=Govt's proposed cadre policy for IAS, IPS officers draws ire|last=Bhaskar|first=Utpal|date=24 August 2017|website=Live Mint|publisher=HT Media Ltd|access-date=19 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/govt-finalises-new-cadre-policy-for-ias-ips-officers-1020070-2017-08-23|title=Govt finalises new cadre policy for IAS, IPS officers|date=23 August 2017|editor-last=Shrivastava|editor-first=Ashwini|website=India Today|access-date=10 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-finalises-new-allocation-policy-for-ias-ips-officers/story-N22dUxnK9bGU73JaNoC3xN.html|title=IAS, IPS allocation policy rejigged for 'national integration of bureaucracy'|date=23 August 2017|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=10 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/240817/government-finalises-new-cadre-policy-for-ias-ips-officers.html|title=Central government finalises new cadre policy for IAS, IPS officers|date=24 August 2017|website=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=10 September 2017}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=http://persmin.gov.in/AIS1/Docs/cadrepolicy2017.pdf|title=Cadre Allocation Policy for the All India Services-IAS/IPS/IFoS – Reg.|date=5 September 2017|website=Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India|access-date=10 September 2017}}</ref> Under the new policy, a candidate has to first give their choice in the descending order of preference from amongst the various Zones.<ref name=":8" /> Subsequently, the candidate has to indicate one preference of cadre from each preferred zone.<ref name=":8" /> The candidate indicates their second cadre preference for every preferred zone subsequently. The process continues till a preference for all the cadres is indicated by the candidate.<ref name=":8" /> The preference for the zones/cadres remains in the same order, and no change is permitted.<ref name=":8"/> Officers continue to work in the cadre they are allotted or are deputed to the Government of India.<ref name="ifs.nic.in">{{cite web|url=http://ifs.nic.in/deputation/con-depu%20guide.pdf|title=Consolidated Deputation Guidelines for All India Services|date=28 November 2007|website=Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India|language=en|access-date=13 August 2017}}</ref> {| class="wikitable." |+Zones under the new Cadre Allocation Policy !Zone !Cadres |- |'''Zone-I''' |AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories including erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir), Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana. |- |'''Zone-II''' |Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha. |- |'''Zone-III''' |Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. |- |'''Zone-IV''' |West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam-Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura and Nagaland. |- |'''Zone-V''' |Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. |}

==== Old cadre allocation policies ==== Till 2008, there was no system of preference for state cadres by the candidates; the candidates, if not placed in the insider vacancy of their home states, were allotted to different states in alphabetical order of the roster, beginning with the letters A, H, M, T for that particular year. For example, if in a particular year, the roster begins from 'A', which means the first candidate on the roster will go to the Andhra Pradesh state cadre of IPS, the next one to Bihar, and subsequently to Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and so on in alphabetical order.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=http://persmin.gov.in/AIS1/Docs/OldCadreAllocPolicy.pdf|title=Old Cadre allocation policy for All India Services – IAS/IPS/IFS|date=30 May 1985|website=Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India|access-date=13 August 2017}}</ref> The next year the roster starts from 'H', for either Haryana or Himachal Pradesh (if it has started from Haryana on the previous occasion when it all started from 'H', then this time it would start from Himachal Pradesh). This highly intricate system, in vogue since the mid-1980s, had ensured that officers from different states were placed all over India.

The system of permanent state cadres has also resulted in wide disparities in the kind of professional exposure for officers when we compare officers in small and big and also developed and backward states.<ref name=":12" /> Changes of state cadre are permitted on grounds of marriage to an All India Service officer of another state cadre or under other exceptional circumstances. The officer may go to their home state cadre on deputation for a limited period, after which they have to invariably return to the cadre allotted to them.<ref name="book">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-wfGxBk09uAC&pg=RA1-PA325|title=Indian Administration (Vol. 2) (Educational Philosophy of Dr. Zakir Hussain)|last1=Ganihar|first1=N.|last2=Belagali|first2=Dr. H. V.|publisher=Global Vision Publishing House|year=2009|isbn=9788182202412|page=325|access-date=4 September 2017}}</ref>

From 2008 to 2017, IPS officers were allotted to state cadres at the beginning of their service. There was one cadre for each Indian state, except for two joint cadres: Assam–Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh–Goa–Mizoram–Union Territories (AGMUT).<ref name="book" /> The "insider-outsider ratio" (ratio of officers who were posted in their home states) is maintained as 1:2, with one-third of the direct recruits as 'insiders' from the same state.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=http://persmin.gov.in/AIS1/Docs/CAP2009-P2.pdf|title=Revised Cadre Allocation Policy w.e.f. CSE-2009, dated 15.06.2011|date=15 June 2011|website=Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India|access-date=13 August 2017}}</ref> The rest were posted as outsiders according to the 'roster' in states other than their home states,<ref name=":02" /> as per their preference.

==Ranks and career advancements== ===Ranks and insignia=== {{Main|List of police ranks in India}}

Though the standard uniform colour is khaki,<ref name="Uniform_Col">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/open-space/Why-is-the-colour-of-the-Indian-police-uniform-khaki/articleshow/1719969.cms|title=Why is the colour of the Indian police uniform khaki?|last=Loiwal|first=Amit|date=3 March 2007|work=The Times of India|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref> the ranks, posts, and designations of IPS officers vary from state to state as law and order is a federalism in India. But generally, the following pattern is observed.

====IPS officer ranks==== IPS officers are appointed on the basis of either Civil Service Examination or promoted from the state police service cadre ''(state civil service officers)''. Vacancies in the IPS cadre are determined based on vacancy on an superintendent of police rank. Consequently, there are two levels of gradation for SP rank. These are levels 11 and 12 as per the Seventh Pay Commission. Resultantly, IPS officers remain on the rank of SP till the 13th year, after which they are eligible for being promoted as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). ASP rank is the junior-most rank on an IPS state cadre. Consequently, fresh recruits to IPS are variously posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police in a supernumerary capacity (only for training purpose for two years and after that for 1 year) till they are formally placed as Superintendent of Police In-Charge of an area (when they get the pay of level 11 and level 12) and as district in charge (when they get the pay of level 12) (only in non-metropolitan districts). When the officers get promoted to the rank of SSP, some of them are posted to the district in charge of metropolitan districts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mahapolice.gov.in/jsp/temp/html/policerank.pdf|title=Police Ranks|website=Maharashtra Police|access-date=14 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815030350/http://www.mahapolice.gov.in/jsp/temp/html/policerank.pdf|archive-date=15 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.keralapolice.org/kerala-police/about-us/governance|title=Governance of Kerala Police|website=Kerala Police|access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://odishapolice.gov.in/?q=node/199|title=Police Ranks and Badges|website=Odisha Police|access-date=15 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="Director Intelligence Bureau's Insignia Equivalent to Armed Forces Generals">{{cite web|url=http://www.persmin.nic.in/EmployeesCorner/Acts_Rules/AISRule/IPSRules/IPS(Uniform)Rules(Revised).htm#_ftnref21|title=Director, Intelligence Bureau's Insignia Equivalent to Armed Forces Generals|publisher=Government of India|access-date=27 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416223152/http://persmin.nic.in/EmployeesCorner/Acts_Rules/AISRule/IPSRules/IPS(Uniform)Rules(Revised).htm#_ftnref21|archive-date=16 April 2009}}</ref> {{Indian Police Service officer ranks}} {| class="wikitable" |+ Pay Scales (with effect from 01.01.2016)<ref>{{Cite web |title=https://ips.gov.in/ips_civillist.aspx |url=https://ips.gov.in/ips_civillist.aspx |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250924043241/https://ips.gov.in/ips_civillist.aspx |archive-date=2025-09-24 |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=ips.gov.in}}</ref> ! Rank / Grade !! Time Scale !! Entry Pay (₹) !! Pay Matrix Level |- |Asst.SP |Junior Scale |56,100 |Level 10 |- | rowspan="3" |SP | Senior Scale || 67,700 || Level 11 |- | Junior Administrative Grade || 78,800 || Level 12 |- | Selection Grade || 1,18,500 || Level 13 |- | DIG || Super-time Scale || 1,31,100 || Level 13A |- | IG || Super-time Scale || 1,44,200 || Level 14 |- | ADG || Above Super-time Scale || 1,82,200 || Level 15 |- | DG || Above Super-time Scale || 2,05,400 || Level 16 |- | DGP (Apex Scale) || — || 2,25,000 || Level 17 |}

===Pay structure of the Indian Police Service=== {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" |+Pay structure of the Indian Police Service<ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=https://theprint.in/judiciary/ips-officers-win-battle-head-central-police-forces-supreme-court-rules-in-favour/308043/ |title=IPS officers win battle to head central police forces as Supreme Court rules in their favour|date=18 October 2019 |newspaper=ThePrint|access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://document.ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02ser/14021_3_2016-AIS-II-23092016.pdf|title=The Indian Police Service (Pay) Rules, 2016|date=23 September 2016|website=Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India|access-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721151812/http://document.ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02ser/14021_3_2016-AIS-II-23092016.pdf|archive-date=21 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="7 Pay Commission Report2"/> |- !Insignia ! Grade/level on pay matrix<ref name=":0"/><ref name="7 Pay Commission Report2">{{cite web|url=http://7cpc.india.gov.in/pdf/sevencpcreport.pdf|title=Report of the 7th Central Pay Commission of India|publisher=Seventh Central Pay Commission, Government of India|access-date=18 September 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120092637/http://7cpc.india.gov.in/pdf/sevencpcreport.pdf|archive-date=20 November 2015}}</ref> ! Position in the state government(s)<ref name=":1"/> ! Other positions or designation in the union territory government(s) or the Government of India (GOI)<ref name=":1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.delhipolice.nic.in/acts/dpact.docx|title=The Delhi Police Act, 1978 (Act No. 34 of 1978)|date=27 August 1978|website=Delhi Police|access-date=18 September 2017}}</ref> !Position in Indian order of precedence ! Basic pay (monthly)<ref name=":0" /><ref name="7 Pay Commission Report2"/> ! Military Equivalent <ref>Military Equivalents are generally ranked higher in Indian order of precedence than the IPS officers.</ref> |- | {{NA}} | Apex scale (pay level 17) |rowspan=2 {{NA}} | * Secretary (R), R&AW, Cabinet Secretariat * Secretary (S), SPG, Cabinet Secretariat * Special Secretary in R&AW * Special Secretary in MHA<ref>{{cite news |title=Govt appoints IPS officer Anand Swaroop as Special Secretary (Internal Security) at MHA |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/govt-appoints-ips-officer-anand-swaroop-as-special-secretary-internal-security-at-mha/articleshow/126426358.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=2026 |access-date=2026-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Monthly Remuneration Received by Officers and Employees including System of Compensation |url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-12/RTI4%281%29%28b%29%28x%29_0%5B1%5D.pdf |website=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |access-date=2026-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Monthly Remuneration Report for the Month of May, 2024 in r/o Officers/officials of MHA (Proper) |url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/RemunerationOfficersmha_11062024.pdf |website=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |date=2024-06-11 |access-date=2026-03-30}}</ref> | align=center|23 | rowspan="3" |{{INRConvert|225|k|0}} | {{NA}} |- |frameless|140x140px |Apex scale (pay level 17) | * Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) | rowspan="3" |{{Center|25}} | | {{bulleted list|75x75px General|75x75px Admiral|60x60px Air Chief Marshal}} |- |frameless|140x140px |Apex scale (pay level 17) | Director General of Police (Head of Police Force) | * Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) * Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) * Director of the Special Protection Group (SPG) * Commissioner of Police of Delhi * Director General of a Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) | rowspan="3" |{{bulleted list|104x104px Lieutenant General|104x104px Vice Admiral|90x90px Air Marshal}} |- |frameless|140x140px |HAG+ Scale (pay level 16) | Director General of Police {{Resize|heading an agency or functional area (intelligence, security, traffic, vigilance, prisons, anti-corruption bureau)}} | * Special Director in IB * Special Director in CBI * Special Director General in CAPFs * Commissioner of Police (Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai) * Director of SVPNPA * Director General of BPR&D * Director General of NCB * Director General of BCAS * Director General of NDRF |{{INRConvert|205.4|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|224.4|k|lk=on}} |- |frameless|140x140px | HAG scale<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131101073720/http://mha1.nic.in/pdfs/IPS-Guid-190710.pdf Promotion to various grades – Amendment in the IPS promotion guidelines]. Indian Police Service. 19 July 2010</ref> (pay level 15) | Additional Director General of Police {{Resize|heading a functional wing or agency (law and order, traffic, economic offences unit)}}

| * Additional Secretary in R&AW * Additional Director in IB * Additional Director General in NIA * Additional Director in CBI * Director of NCRB * Special Commissioner of Police in Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai * Commissioner of Police (City Police Commissionerate) * Additional Director General in CAPFs. | rowspan="7" |{{Center|—}} | {{INRConvert|182.2|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|224.1|k|lk=on}} |- |frameless|140x140px | Senior administrative grade (pay level 14) | Inspector General of Police | * Joint Secretary in R&AW * Joint Director in IB * Inspector General in NIA * Joint Director in CBI * Joint Commissioner, city police, in Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra * Additional Commissioner, city police, in Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore * Commissioner of police (city police commissionerate) * Inspector General in CAPFs * Joint Director in SVPNPA. | {{INRConvert|144.2|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|218.2|k|lk=on}} | {{bulleted list|75x75px Major General|75x75px Rear Admiral|60x60px Air Vice Marshal}} |- |frameless|140x140px | Super time scale (DIG/Conservator grade) (pay level 13A) | Deputy Inspector General of Police | * Deputy Director in IB * Deputy inspector general in NIA * Deputy Inspector General in CBI * Deputy inspector general in CAPFs * Additional Commissioner, city police, in Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan * Joint Commissioner, city police, in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Haryana * Commissioner of police (city police commissionerate) * Deputy Director in SVPNPA. | {{INRConvert|131.1|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|216.6|k|lk=on}} |{{bulleted list|75x75px Brigadier|75x75px Commodore|60x60px Air Commodore}} |- |frameless|140x140px | Selection grade (pay level 13) | Superintendent of Police (selection grade) | Deputy commissioner of police in Delhi and other police commissionerates. | {{INRConvert|118.5|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|214.1|k|lk=on}} |{{bulleted list|75x75px Colonel|75x75px Captain|60x60px Group captain}} |- |frameless|140x140px | Junior administrative grade (pay level 12) | * Superintendent of Police * Commandant of an Armed Police Battalion | Deputy commissioner of police in Delhi and other police commissionerates. | {{INRConvert|78.8|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|191.5|k|lk=on}} |{{bulleted list|75x75px Lieutenant colonel|75x75px Commander|60x60px Wing Commander}} |- |frameless|140x140px | Senior time scale (pay level 11) | Additional Superintendent of Police | Deputy commissioner of police in police commissionerates in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu Additional deputy commissioner of police in police commissionerates in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal | {{INRConvert|67.7|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|160|k|lk=on}} |{{Bulleted list|75x75px Major|75x75px Lt. Commander|60x60px Squadron Leader}} |- |frameless|140x140px | Junior time scale (pay level 10) | Assistant Superintendent of Police | Assistant commissioner of police in Delhi and other police commissionerates. |{{INRConvert|56.1|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|132|k|lk=on}} |{{Bulleted list|75x75px Captain|75x75px Lieutenant|60x60px Flight lieutenant}} |-

{{multiple image | direction = vertical | image1 = Car flags.jpg | width1 = 195 | image2 = Car stars.jpg | width2 = 195 | footer = Flags (top photo) & Stars (bottom photo) on official cars of senior IPS officers, as per their rank. | align = | total_width = | alt1 = | caption1 = THE FLAG FOR ADGP/DGP IS ALSO APPLICABLE FOR DIB | caption2 = }}

==Reforms and challenges== <section begin="Reform committees"/> As of March 2026, India's police continue to be governed by a colonial police law passed in 1861.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/programs/aj/police/papers/advocacy_paper_police_act_1861.pdf|title=Police Act, 1861: Why we need to replace it?|access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref> The Indian Constitution makes policing a state subject and therefore the state governments have the responsibility to provide their communities with a police service. However, after independence, most have adopted the 1861 Act without change, while others have passed laws heavily based on the 1861 Act.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prsindia.org/policy/analytical-reports/police-reforms-india|title=Police Reforms in India|access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref>

Repeated major incidents, like the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder, 2020 Hathras gang rape and murder, as well as terrorist attacks such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks revealed the failure of the police to uphold the rule of law.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_inept-delhi-cops-get-hc-rap_1780383|title=Inept Delhi cops get HC rap|date=21 December 2012|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/two-acps-are-suspended/article4237103.ece|title=Two ACPs are suspended|date=25 December 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref>

The need for police reform in India has long been recognised. There have been almost 30 years of debate and discussion by government-created committees and commissions on the way forward for police reform, but India remains saddled with an outdated and old-fashioned law,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/publications/police/police_reform_debates_in_india.pdf|title=Police reform debate in India|access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref> while report after report gathers dust on government bookshelves without implementation. Many committees on police reform have recommended major reforms in the police system coupled with systematic accountability.<ref name=VermaCommittee_22Jan2013>{{cite news|title=Failure of governance root cause of crimes against women: Verma committee|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/failure-of-governance-root-cause-of-crimes-against-women-verma-committee/article4336046.ece?homepage=true|access-date=23 January 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=23 January 2013}}</ref><ref name=VermaCommitteeHighlights_23Jan2013>{{cite news|title=Read: Highlights of Justice Verma Committee report|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/read-highlights-of-justice-verma-committee-report/317376-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127031941/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/read-highlights-of-justice-verma-committee-report/317376-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 January 2013|access-date=23 January 2013|newspaper=CNNIBNLive|date=23 January 2013}}</ref>

=== National Police Commission (1977–81) === The National Police Commission was the first committee set up by the Government of India to report on policing. The National Police Commission began sitting in 1979, in the context of a post-Emergency India, and produced eight reports, including a Model Police Act, between 1979 and 1981.<ref name="PRAKASH SINGH Case at LIIofIndia.org">{{cite web|title=Prakash Singh Case at LIIofIndia.org|url=http://www.liiofindia.org/in/cases/cen/INSC/2006/609.html|access-date=12 April 2013}}</ref>

=== Ribeiro Committee (1998–99) === {{See also|J. F. Ribeiro}} In 1996, two former senior police officers filed a Public interest litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, asking for the Court to direct governments to implement the recommendations of the National Police Commission. The Supreme Court directed the government to set up a committee to review the commission's recommendations, and thus the Ribeiro Committee was formed. The committee, under the leadership of Julio Ribeiro, a former chief of police, sat from 1998 and 1999, and produced two reports.<ref name="PRAKASH SINGH Case at LIIofIndia.org"/><ref name="Ribeiro Committee">{{cite web|title=Ribeiro Committee|url=http://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=91%3Ashiva&id=688%3Apolice-india-rebiero-committee&Itemid=100|access-date=12 April 2013}}</ref>

=== Padmanabhaiah Committee (2000) === In 2000, the government set up a third committee on police reform, this time under the stewardship of a former union home secretary, K. Padmanabhaiah. This Committee released its report in the same year.<ref name="PRAKASH SINGH Case at LIIofIndia.org"/><ref name="Padmanabhaiah Committee">{{cite web|title=Padmanabhaiah Committee|url=http://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=91%3Ashiva&id=687%3Apolice-india-padmanabhai-committee&Itemid=100|access-date=12 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306225136/http://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=91%3Ashiva&id=687%3Apolice-india-padmanabhai-committee&Itemid=100|archive-date=6 March 2013}}</ref>

=== Malimath Committee Report (2003) === {{See also|V. S. Malimath}}

The Malimath Committee Report submitted in March 2003 has very articulately laid down the foundation of a restructured and reoriented police system. The committee, in its report, observed that the success of the whole process of Criminal Justice Administration depended completely on the proper functioning of the police organisation, especially in the investigation stage. Apart from the investigation of offences, the police also have the duty of maintaining law and order.

=== Soli Sorabjee Committee (2005) === {{See also|Soli Sorabjee}}

In 2005, the government put together a group to draft a new police act for India. It was headed by Soli Sorabjee (former attorney general). The committee submitted a Model Police Act to the union government in late 2006.<ref name="PRAKASH SINGH Case at LIIofIndia.org"/>

=== Supreme Court intervention (2006) === In 1996, Prakash Singh (a former chief of Assam Police and Uttar Pradesh Police and subsequently 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. The Supreme Court studied various reports on police reforms. Finally, in 2006, a bench of Justice Yogesh Kumar Sabharwal, Justice C. K. Thakker and Justice P.K. Balasubramanyan<ref name="Prakash Singh Case">{{cite web|title=Prakash Singh Case|url=http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/1090328/|access-date=12 April 2013}}</ref> ordered the state governments to implement several reforms in the police force.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-openpage/seize-the-opportunity/article3225289.ece|title=Seize the opportunity|last=Prasad|first=Devika|date=5 November 2006|work=The Hindu|access-date=5 October 2017|author2=Caroline Avanzo}}</ref>

Several measures were identified as necessary to professionalise 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 Director General of the State Police. * There must be separate departments and staff for investigation and patrolling,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/2007/05/07001735/Sohrabbudins-encounter.html|title=Sohrabbudin's encounter|last=Strip|first=Mobius|date=7 May 2007|work=Live Mint|access-date=7 September 2017|publisher=HT Media Ltd|author2=Ramesh Ramanathan}}</ref> 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.

====Follow-up from Supreme Court==== In 2006, due to a lack of action by all the state governments,<ref name="COMPLIANCE WITH SUPREME COURT DIRECTIVES">{{cite web|title=COMPLIANCE WITH SUPREME COURT DIRECTIVES|url=http://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/programs/aj/police/india/initiatives/chri_state_compliance_with_supreme_court_directives_chart.pdf|access-date=12 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306213845/http://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/programs/aj/police/india/initiatives/chri_state_compliance_with_supreme_court_directives_chart.pdf|archive-date=6 March 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Supreme Court ordered the state governments to report to it why the reform measures outlined were not implemented.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/programs/aj/police/india/initiatives/writ_petition.htm|title=The Supreme Court of India takes the lead on police reform: Prakash Singh vs. Union of India|access-date=12 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925141524/http://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/programs/aj/police/india/initiatives/writ_petition.htm|archive-date=25 September 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> After being questioned in front of the judges of the Supreme Court, the state governments finally started to reform the police forces and give them the operational independence they need for fearless and proper law enforcement. Tamil Nadu Police has been at the forefront of the application of the new referendum.<ref>{{cite news|first=Sunrat|last=Das|title=Board to lend ears to transfer woes|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1070507/asp/frontpage/story_7741733.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930024149/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070507/asp/frontpage/story_7741733.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 September 2007|date=6 May 2007|access-date=18 September 2017}}</ref>

Again, in October 2012, a Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice Altamas Kabir and justices S. S. Nijjar and Jasti Chelameswar asked all state governments and Union territories to inform about compliance with its September 2006 judgement. The order was passed when Prakash Singh, through his lawyer Prashant Bhushan, said that many of the reforms (ordered by the Supreme Court) have yet to be implemented by many state governments.<ref name="SC asks states to file affidavit on police reforms">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/SC-asks-states-to-file-affidavit-on-police-reforms/Article1-945679.aspx|title=SC asks states to file affidavit on police reforms|date=16 October 2012|newspaper=Hindustan Times|access-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017074052/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/SC-asks-states-to-file-affidavit-on-police-reforms/Article1-945679.aspx|archive-date=17 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> === Concerns ===

==== Low training standards and personnel shortage ==== As of March 2023, India has a police-to-population ratio of 153 personnel per 100,000 citizens, which is less than the sanctioned strength of 196 and well below the United Nations minimum requirement of 222 per 100,000 citizens.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/policepublic-ratio-stands-at-152-80-per-lakh-person-govt-informs-parliament-101680162971094.html|title= Police-public ratio stands at 152.80 per lakh person: Govt informs Parliament|date= 30 March 2023}}</ref> The training has also fallen short of world standards, with the shortage of personnel causing investigations to suffer.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.economist.com/asia/2020/02/06/indias-police-are-overstretched-poorly-trained-and-politicised|title= India's police are overstretched, poorly trained and politicized |newspaper= The Economist}}</ref> These issues were previously noted in the aftermath of the 2008 terrorist attacks in Jaipur, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad.

==== Mental health and suicide ==== IPS officers have complained of high levels of stress due to long work hours and unrealistic demands of political bosses. Retired Director General of Police in Uttar Pradesh Vikram Singh believes job discontent is a combination of "no holidays, lack of sleep, the sinking feeling of failure, public treatment of policemen with contempt, the indifference of political bosses, and almost no connection with superiors". Professional stress ruins personal lives and leads to marital discord. The inability to balance professional and personal lives has led some IPS officers to commit suicide.<ref name="nh">{{cite news |title=Uttar Pradesh: Suicides by 2 IPS officers in 5 months rattles police |url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/uttar-pradesh-suicides-by-2-ips-officers-in-5-months-rattles-police |work=National Herald |date=September 11, 2018}}</ref>

==== Overworking and underpaid ==== The Indian Police Service has often faced issues of being overworked and underpaid. The 7th Pay Commission mandated a pay of Rs. 21,700 per month for constables, with the Director-General of Police having a pay of Rs. 225,000 per month. The pay for constables and inspector-ranked officers varies from state to state.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://collegedunia.com/news/g-103745-indian-police-ranks|title= Indian Police: Ranks, Salary & Grade Pay|date= 6 June 2023}}</ref>

Due to a lack of a shift system, many officers, especially the constable ranks, were forced to work for more than 24 hours at a stretch, with no overtime pay. This affects the quality of the investigation as well as the morale of the officials on duty.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/excl-overworked-force-in-the-field-compromised-top-leadership-hurting-brand-equity-of-indian-police-says-maharashtras-1st-woman-commissioner/articleshow/105779270.cms?from=mdr|title= Excl: Overworked force in the field & compromised top leadership hurting brand equity of Indian police, says Maharashtra's 1st woman commissioner|newspaper= The Economic Times|date= 7 December 2023|last1= Ghatak|first1= Lopamudra}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.businessinsider.in/tired-of-14-hour-work-days-a-third-of-indian-police-officers-are-keen-on-quitting/articleshow/71075344.cms|title= Tired of 14-hour work days, a third of Indian police officers are keen on quitting|work= Business Insider}}</ref> Furthermore, the constabulary also does not get decent housing or any allowances for reasonable accommodation.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://scroll.in/article/939727/in-mumbai-much-of-the-police-force-lives-in-tiny-crumbling-apartments|title= In Mumbai, much of the police force lives in tiny crumbling apartments|date= 8 October 2019}}</ref>

In May 2022, the Mumbai Police implemented an 8-hour shift system for the constable rank officers and assistant sub-inspectors, and 16 hours of rest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/mumbai-police-introduces-8-hour-shifts-for-subordinate-ranks-from-may-17-101651752121320.html |title= Mumbai Police introduces 8-hour shifts for subordinate ranks from May 17|date= 5 May 2022}}</ref> Following a lawsuit by a constable of the Delhi Police for demanding fixed working hours, proper housing, and reasonable pay in 2015, the Delhi High Court ordered senior officers of implementing better working conditions for constables in May 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/eight-year-old-lawsuit-by-delhi-police-constable-seeks-reasonable-duty-hours-recognition-of-work/article66851053.ece|title= Eight-year-old lawsuit by Delhi Police constable seeks reasonable duty hours, recognition of work|newspaper= The Hindu|date= 14 May 2023|last1= Singh|first1= Soibam Rocky}}</ref> <section end="Reform committees"/>

== Misconduct, Corruption, and Human Rights Concern in the IPS== The Indian Police Service has, in multiple instances, been accused of serious violations of public trust. Reports, investigations, and judicial findings have repeatedly indicated that many IPS officers have been involved in grave misconduct, corruption and criminal activities including violence against women and sexual misconduct,<ref name="sharmamurder">{{cite news |title=Delhi Police appeal against RK Sharma's acquittal in Shivani Bhatnagar case |url=https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-police-appeal-against-rk-sharmas-acquittal-in-shivani-bhatnagar-case-572479 |work=NDTV |date=January 11, 2012}}</ref><ref name="daiji">{{cite news |title=Young IPS officer Amit Nigam accused of torturing wife 'like an animal' |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=590118 |work=Daijiworld |date=May 22, 2019}}</ref><ref name="news1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/ips-officer-accused-of-torturing-wife/1539310|title=IPS officer accused of torturing wife|website=Outlook (Magazine)}}</ref><ref name="kalson">{{cite news |title=Serial offender Haryana IGP, now caught hitting and abusing 2 women, 'could face dismissal' |url=https://theprint.in/india/serial-offender-haryana-igp-now-caught-hitting-and-abusing-2-women-could-face-dismissal/487835/ |work=The Print |date=August 23, 2020}}</ref><ref name="rivals">{{cite news |title=Team of Rivals: How the strange case of an alleged mole at the High Commission in Pakistan revealed a turf war between two of India's own intelligence agencies |url=https://krishnkaushik.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/team-of-rivals-how-the-strange-case-of-an-alleged-mole-at-the-high-commission-in-pakistan-revealed-a-turf-war-between-two-of-indias-own-intelligence-agencies/ |work=The Caravan |date=May 25, 2013}}</ref> custodial torture, and extrajudicial actions, repeated instances of bribery, and abuse of power.<ref name="IPS 7 years">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/rajasthan/story/this-ips-officer-spent-7-years-in-jail-before-he-busted-biggest-bribery-case-263426-2015-09-17|title=This IPS officer spent 7 years in jail before he busted biggest bribery case|last=Parihar|first=Rohit|date=17 September 2015|website=India Today|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="IPS 13 years">{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ips-officer-gets-13-year-jail-term-for-pilfering-seized-drug-1809954|title=IPS officer gets 13-year jail term for pilfering seized drug|date=11 March 2013|website=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="IPS vigilance">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/Corruption-case-against-IPS-officer-5-held-by-Vigilance-Dept./article14396149.ece|title=Corruption case against IPS officer, 5 held by Vigilance Dept.|date=23 June 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="IPS fraud run">{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/crime/booked-for-job-fraud-ips-officer-on-the-run/281795.html|title=Booked for job fraud, IPS officer on the run|last=Sood|first=Aman|date=18 August 2016|website=The Tribune|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="hotels">{{cite news |title=HC clears trial of officer who flew family around the world in Rs 1 lakh |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/cover-story/hc-clears-trial-of-officer-who-flew-family-around-the-world-in-rs-1-lakh/articleshow/22637083.cms |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=September 17, 2013}}</ref><ref name="largescale">{{cite news |title=This Delhi cop is a 'corrupt crorepati' - 17 shell companies, 11 posh properties and much more |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/delhi-satyavir-katara-indian-police-service-dcp-licensing-income-tax/93206 |work=Times Now |date=September 19, 2017}}</ref><ref name="drugs">{{cite news |title=Punjab has a new enemy to fight in war on drugs: Punjab Police |url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/punjab-new-enemy-fight-war-drugs-punjab-police/26174/ |work=The Print |date=June 3, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Qadri |first=Afzal |date=1994 |title=Police Corruption: An Analysis |journal=Indian Journal of Criminology |volume=22}}</ref> High-ranking officers are often found to be involved in money laundering.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Lamani |first=Ravikanth Babu |date=2013 |title=Police Corruption in India |url=https://ijcst.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/ijcst/article/view/37944 |journal=International Journal of Criminology and Sociological Theory |volume=6}}</ref>

Various studies have reported a documented pattern of custodial violence — physical, sexual and psychological inflicted on vulnerable individuals by the police officials.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=A Study on Police Accountability and Custodial Violence in India|url=https://researth.iars.info/index.php/curie/article/view/227|journal=IARS' International Research Journal|date=2023-02-08|issn=1839-6518|volume=13|issue=01|doi=10.51611/iars.irj.v13i01.2023.227|language=en|first=Jonika|last=Lamba|first2=Esha|last2=Jain|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Custodial Violence In India: A Legal And Human Rights Perspective|url=https://www.ijllr.com/post/custodial-violence-in-india-a-legal-and-human-rights-perspective|website=IJLLR Journal|date=2025-06-26|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en|first=IJLLR|last=Journal}}</ref> There have been many cases where ''First Information Report'' (FIRs) were deliberately ignored or suppressed particularly involving crimes against marginalized communities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/reports/india0809web.pdf|title=Broken System — Dysfunction, Abuse, and Impunity in the Indian Police|date=2009|access-date=30 November 2025|website=Human Rights Watch|url-status=live|isbn=1564325180}}</ref> In many documented and alleged cases IPS officers implicated in serious offence evade conviction due to various factors such as political protection, institutional shielding, influence over investigative processes, and prolonged procedural delays.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Status of Policing in India Report 2025 — Police Torture and (Un)Accountability|publisher=Common Cause & Lokniti – Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS)|year=2025|location=Delhi|language=en-IN|url=https://www.lokniti.org/media/upload_files/Status%20of%20Policing%20in%20India%20Report%202025_Full%20and%20Final.pdf}}</ref>

=== Instances by state === ==== Andhra Pradesh (Andhra Pradesh Police)==== {{See also|Andhra Pradesh Police}} =====Nidigattu Sanjay (1996 batch IPS; former CID chief) ===== Suspended on December 4, 2024, for misappropriating {{INRConvert|1.76|c}} via manipulated tenders for the AGNI-NOC portal and SC/ST program; charges against PCA and IPC for breaches of trust. ACB FIR filed December 25, 2023, suspension extended to May 2025, per Review Committee recommendation. The Supreme Court dismissed anticipatory bail in July 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Andhra Pradesh extends suspension of IPS officer accused of corruption|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/andhra-pradesh/story/andhra-pradesh-government-extends-suspension-of-ips-officer-n-sanjay-over-fund-misappropriation-2673262-2025-02-01|website=India Today|date=2025-02-01|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en|first=|last=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=ACB files case against IPS officer N. Sanjay in Andhra Pradesh|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/acb-files-case-against-ips-officer-n-sanjay-in-andhra-pradesh/article69026606.ece|work=The Hindu|date=2024-12-25|access-date=2025-12-01|issn=0971-751X|language=en-IN|first=Sambasiva Rao|last=M}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Andhra Pradesh: Suspension Of IPS Officer Sanjay Extended For Another Six Months|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/andhra-pradesh-suspension-of-ips-officer-sanjay-extended-for-another-six-months-1881746|website=Deccan Chronicle|date=2025-05-28|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en-IN|first=|last=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=IPS Officer Sanjay Grilled by ACB in Major Corruption Probe|url=https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/andhra-acb-continues-questioning-ips-officer-third-day-770|website=NewKerala.com|date=2025-09-04|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en|last=Naveen}}</ref>

==== Assam (Assam Police)==== {{See also|Assam Police}} =====Gaurav Upadhyay (2012-batch IPS; former SP Karbi Anglong)===== Charged in June 2025 for POSCO charges regarding sexual harassment of a minor; the CID chargesheet led to court proceedings highlighting abuse of power.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who is IPS officer Gaurav Upadhyay accused of assaulting 14-yr-old in Assam? 'Force to kiss, touched private parts' {{!}} Today News|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/who-is-ips-officer-gaurav-upadhyay-accused-of-assaulting-14-yr-old-in-assam-force-to-kiss-touched-private-parts-11750660247928.html|website=mint|date=2025-06-23|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en|last=Livemint}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Special court in Assam orders framing of charges under POCSO, IPC against IPS officer|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/special-court-in-assam-orders-framing-of-charges-under-pocso-ipc-against-ips-officer/article69721250.ece|work=The Hindu|date=2025-06-21|access-date=2025-12-01|issn=0971-751X|language=en-IN|last=PTI}}</ref>

==Women in Police== Women had previously been limited to supervisory roles in the Central Armed Police Forces.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-allows-women-to-be-combat-officers-in-all-central-armed-police-forces/articleshow/51380021.cms|title=Government allows women to be combat officers in all Central Armed Police Forces|date=11 July 2018|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=11 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224001906/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-allows-women-to-be-combat-officers-in-all-central-armed-police-forces/articleshow/51380021.cms|archive-date=24 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women recommended greater roles for women in the CAPF. In accordance with this recommendation, the Ministry of Home Affairs mandated preferential treatment for women in paramilitary constabularies and later declared that women could be combat officers in all five Central Armed Police Forces.<ref name="auto1"/> The Union Home Minister announced that female representation in the CRPF and Central Industrial Security Force would be 15 percent and five percent in the Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Sashastra Seema Bal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/women-quota-in-crpf-cisf-to-be-made-15-per-cent/cid/1681181|title=Women quota in CRPF, CISF to be made 15 per cent|website=telegraphindia.com|access-date=11 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403051328/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/women-quota-in-crpf-cisf-to-be-made-15-per-cent/cid/1681181|archive-date=3 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 January 2016, it was decided that 33 percent of CRPF and CISF constabulary posts would be reserved for women in the CRPF and the CISF, and 14-15 percent in the BSF, SSB and ITBP.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

===Women in the Indian Police Service=== In 1972, Kiran Bedi became the first woman Indian Police Service officer and was the only woman in a batch of 80 IPS officers, she joined the AGMUT Cadre.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/first-woman-ips-officer-kiran-bedi-seeks-voluntary-retirement/articleshow/2575478.cms|title=First woman IPS officer Kiran Bedi seeks voluntary retirement|date=27 November 2007|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=18 September 2017}}</ref> She was followed by Jija Madhavan Harisingh in 1975, who became the first woman Indian Police Service officer from South-India (Karnataka cadre) and she remained in service for 36 years before retirement in 2011 as Director General of Police (DGP), and Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya, the second woman IPS officer belonging to the 1973 Batch, becoming the first woman director general of police of a state in India when she was appointed DGP of Uttarakhand Police.

In 1992, Asha Sinha, a 1982 Batch IPS officer, became the first woman commandant in the paramilitary forces of India when she was posted as commandant, Central Industrial Security Force in Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and she remained in service for 34 years before retirement in 2016 as the director general of police (DGP). In 2018, an IPS officer Archana Ramasundaram of 1980 Batch became the first woman to become the director general of police of a Central Armed Police Force as DG, Sashastra Seema Bal.<ref>{{cite web|title=First ever woman chief of SSB retires; Rajni Kant Mishra takes charge|date=14 July 2018|work=Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rajni-kant-mishra-takes-charge-as-ssb-dg/articleshow/60894141.cms}}</ref>

In 2021, Kalpana Saxena replaced Yogesh Singh as the commandant of 47 battalion of PAC, Ghaziabad.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/kanpur-and-agra-gets-new-ig-range-12-ips-officers-transferred-101635324336508.html|title = Kanpur and Agra gets new IG range, 12 IPS officers transferred|date = 27 October 2021}}</ref>

In 2023, Nina Singh became the director general of the Central Industrial Security Force.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shihab |first=Siam |date=2023-10-15 |title=Nina Singh IPS Wiki, Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Career, Networth & Facts |url=https://www.exposebd.com/nina-singh-ips-wiki-biography/ |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=EXPOSE BD |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-29 |title=Nina Singh to be first woman chief of CISF |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nina-singh-to-be-first-woman-chief-of-cisf/articleshow/106359588.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-12-29 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==Notable people== {{div col|colwidth=25em|rules=yes}}   * Abhayanand * Vipul Aggarwal * C. Sylendra Babu * Shankar Bidari * Kiran Bedi * Vinod Chaubey * Masud Choudhary * Maloy Krishna Dhar * Ajit Doval * Kanwar Pal Singh Gill * Samant Goel * Alexander Jacob * Parag Jain * Ashok Kamte * R. N. Kao * Hemant Karkare * Atul Karwal * Kishore Kunal * Jacob Punnoose * Surajit Kar Purkayastha * Rajinder Khanna * Amit Lodha * Rakesh Maria * Namo Narain Meena * R. N. Ravi * Anish Dayal Singh * Lalit Vijay Singh * Laxmi Singh * Nina Singh * Rishiraj Singh * Sulkhan Singh * Yogesh Pratap Singh * H. T. Sangliana * Sukhmohinder Singh Sandhu * Rahul Sharma * Manoj Kumar Sharma * P. Vijayan * D. Roopa * V. Joseph Thomas * Hormis Tharakan * Amitabh Thakur * Manoj Yadava * Bhupendra Yadav * Gaurav Yadav * Jagmohan Yadav * Julio Ribeiro * Randhir Prasad Verma * K. Vijay Kumar * Nalin Prabhat * Prakash Singh * R. Sreelekha * S. Subramanian * Sukhmohinder Singh Sandhu * Navniet Sekera * Abdul Sathar Kunju * Lalduhoma

==Notes== {{notelist}} {{reflist|group=note}}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading== * ''History of services of Indian police service, as on 1 July 1966'', by Ministry of Home Affairs, India. Published by the Government. of India, 1969. * ''The peace keepers: Indian Police Service (IPS)'', by S. R. Arun, IPS, DGP Uttar Pradesh. Published by Berghahn Books, 2000. {{ISBN|978-81-7049-107-1}}. *''The Indian Police Journal (IPJ)'', by Bureau of Police Research and Development, Ministry of Home Affairs. Published by the Government. 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 the Government of India, 1969.

==External links== {{commons category|Indian Police Service}}  * [http://www.svpnpa.gov.in/ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy] * {{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=12347|title=Shortage of IPS officers|publisher=Press Information Bureau|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230121901/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=123479|archive-date=30 December 2016|url-status=dead}}

Category:All India Services Category:Federal law enforcement agencies of India Category:Union Public Service Commission Category:Government agencies established in 1950 Category:Indian organisations established in 1950 Category:Law enforcement in India Category:Indian Police Service