Police Administration in Karnataka | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

Introduction

The law and order in Karnataka are overseen by the Karnataka State Police, which holds both operational and legal jurisdiction in the state. The Government of Karnataka is responsible for governing the state police.

Objectives of the Police Department

The Karnataka State Police has several key objectives:

• To protect the lives and rights of individuals from anti-social elements
• To maintain peace and enhance the quality of life in society
• To collaborate effectively with other components of the criminal justice system
• To ensure equal treatment for all, irrespective of factors like caste, creed, religion, or economic status
• To uphold human rights in all circumstances
• To continually enhance professional knowledge, skills, and adopt modern approaches
• To operate with integrity, efficiency, and impartiality consistently

Organisation of Karnataka State Police Department

The Karnataka State Police Department is structured hierarchically to efficiently handle various functions and responsibilities. Let's delve into the organizational structure:

Top Leadership

• At the apex of the department are the Director General and Inspector General of Police, who hold the highest positions of authority.
• They are supported by Additional Directors General of Police, each overseeing specific functions such as:
  • Crime and technical services
  • Recruitment and training
  • Law and order
  • Administration
  • The Karnataka State Reserve Police
  • Civil-rights enforcement or intelligence

Mid-level Management

• Inspectors General of Police operate below the Additional Directors General of Police. They are responsible for overseeing different ranges, with each range typically encompassing three to six districts. 
• At the district level, there is a Superintendent of Police heading law enforcement efforts.

Field Operations

The operational units of the police department are the police stations.

• Each police station, whether in a city or town, is led by an inspector supported by sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors, head constables, and constables.
• Constables hold the lowest rank within the department and are essential for day-to-day policing duties.
• In rural areas, police stations are managed by sub-inspectors who are tasked with maintaining law and order and preventing crime.

Hierarchical Structure

Police stations in rural areas are organized under circles, which in turn form a sub-division. This structure helps in efficient management and coordination.

• Circles are overseen by police inspectors.
• Each sub-division is headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, ensuring smooth operations at the grassroots level.

Hierarchy of Karnataka State Police Department

• Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police
• Additional Director General of Police
• Inspector General of Police
• Superintendent of Police
• Deputy Superintendent of Police
• Circle Inspector of Police
• Sub-inspector of Police
• Assistant Sub-inspector of Police
• Head Constable
• Constable

Police Administration in Karnataka

The Karnataka State Police Department is organized into four police commissioners overseeing 6 ranges within the state. There are a total of 906 police stations, 230 circle offices, 91 Sub Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), and 31 District Police Officers (DPOs), which also includes the railway police units. Additionally, the state police force can be reinforced by the presence of Home Guards when needed.

Commissions under Karnataka State Police

The Karnataka State Police Department operates with four distinct commissions responsible for various aspects of police administration in the state.

• Bangalore Commission: The commissioner of Bangalore holds the rank of Additional Director General of Police.
• Hubli-Dharwar Commission: The commissioner of Hubli-Dharwar has the rank of Inspector General of Police.
• Mysore Commission: The commissioner of Mysore also holds the rank of Inspector General of Police.
• Mangalore Commission: The commissioner of Mangalore belongs to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police.

Karnataka Police Ranges and Districts

Karnataka is divided into 6 police ranges, each overseeing specific districts:

Functional Wings of the Karnataka State Police Department

The Karnataka State Police Department operates with various functional wings to support its operations.
These wings include:

• Law and Order Wing: This division, overseen by an Additional Director General of Police, manages law enforcement activities.
• State Intelligence Wing: Headed by an Additional Director General of Police, this wing focuses on gathering and analyzing intelligence. It is supported by two Inspectors General of Police and four Superintendents of Police at the headquarters, with additional superintendents stationed in Bangalore, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Mangalore, and Mysore.
• Crime and Technical Services Wing: Led by an Additional Director General of Police, this unit supervises key services such as the State Crime Record Bureau, Fingerprint Bureau, Police Computer Wing, and the Forensic Scientific Laboratory.

Specialized Units of Karnataka State Police Department

Several specialized units within the department undertake specific functions:

• Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Economic Offenses, and Special Units
• Directorate of Civil-Rights Enforcement
• Communication, Logistics, and Modernization Wing
• Planning and Modernization Wing
• Police Housing and Welfare Wing

Karnataka State Reserve Police Force 

The Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) is overseen by an Additional Director General of Police and consists of 10 battalions, with specific allocations for various cities. These include 4 battalions for Bangalore and one each for Belgaum, Shimoga, Mysore, Gulbarga, Shiggoan, and Mangalore.

Divisions of Karnataka State Reserve Police Force

• District Armed Force (DAR) is designated for every district.
• City Armed Reserve (CAR) is established for cities like Bangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Mangalore, and Mysore.
• The Karnataka Armed Reserve Mounted Police is headquartered in Mysore.
• Coastal Security Police (CSP) is responsible for safeguarding Karnataka's coastal waters.
• Government Railway Police (GRP) ensures security within the railway network.

Forest Cell of Karnataka State Police 

The Forest Cell within the state police aids the Karnataka Forest Department in executing their duties effectively.

Training Wing of Karnataka State Police 

The Training Wing of the Karnataka State Police comprises 10 training institutions aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of police personnel.

• Karnataka Police Academy at Mysore
• Karnataka State Police Training Centre at Gulbarga
• Karnataka State Police Training School at Channapatna
• Special Branch Training Institute at Bangalore
• Police Dr. at Bangalore
• Wireless Training Institute at Bangalore
• Traffic Training Institute at Bangalore