The Bihar Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order in the Indian state of Bihar. It operates under the control of the Department of Home Affairs, Government of Bihar. The force has a rich history, dating back to the British colonial era, and has evolved over time to meet the challenges of a modernizing society.
Organizational Structure
The Bihar Police is organized in a hierarchical manner, with the Director General of Police (DGP) at the apex. The organizational structure can be broadly divided into:
1. Headquarters: Located in Patna, the headquarters oversees the overall functioning of the police force and is responsible for policy-making, administration, and coordination. It is divided into various divisions, including:
Human Resource Development and Training Division
Law & Order Division
Establishment and Legal Division
Personnel and Welfare Division
Budget Division
Modernization, Crime Records and Provision Division
2. Field Formations: For operational efficiency, the state is divided into:
Zones: Although not as prominent now, Bihar was previously divided into four zones, each headed by an IG level officer.
Ranges: 12 ranges, each comprising 2 to 5 districts and headed by IG or DIG rank officers.
Districts: Each district has a Superintendent of Police (SP) as its head, except Patna, which is under a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
Police Stations: The basic unit of policing, responsible for maintaining law and order within its jurisdiction.
3. Specialized Units: The Bihar Police also has several specialized units to handle specific types of crime and situations, such as:
Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
Special Task Force (STF)
Economic Offences Unit (EOU)
Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS)
Women's Police Station
Ranks and Personnel
The Bihar Police follows a hierarchical rank structure, similar to other state police forces in India. The ranks, in ascending order, are:
Constable
Head Constable
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)
Sub-Inspector (SI)
Inspector
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP)
Superintendent of Police (SP)
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)
Inspector General of Police (IG)
Additional Director General of Police (ADG)
Director General of Police (DGP)
Functions and Responsibilities
The primary function of the Bihar Police is to maintain law and order, prevent and detect crime, and protect life and property. This includes:
Patrolling: Regular patrolling to deter crime and provide a sense of security to citizens.
Investigation: Investigating crimes, collecting evidence, and apprehending offenders.
Traffic management: Regulating traffic flow and enforcing traffic laws.
Security arrangements: Providing security for VIPs, events, and sensitive locations.
Disaster management: Assisting in rescue and relief operations during natural disasters.
Community policing: Engaging with communities to build trust and address local concerns.
Challenges and Reforms
The Bihar Police faces several challenges, including:
High crime rate: Bihar has a relatively high crime rate, particularly in areas such as kidnapping, extortion, and organized crime.
Corruption: Corruption remains a concern within the police force, eroding public trust.
Lack of resources: The police force often faces shortages of personnel, equipment, and infrastructure.
Political interference: Political interference can hamper the impartiality and effectiveness of the police.
To address these challenges, the Bihar Police has undertaken various reforms in recent years, including:
Modernization: Upgrading technology and infrastructure, such as introducing e-FIRs and CCTV surveillance.
Capacity building: Training and development programs to enhance the skills and professionalism of police personnel.
Community policing initiatives: Promoting greater interaction and collaboration between the police and the community.
Anti-corruption measures: Strengthening internal vigilance and accountability mechanisms.