A police station of a locality or village is the basic unit that looks after the
law and order of that area. Every police station is headed by a Station
House Officer (S.H.O.) who is generally an inspector from the police
department. Under him works a team consisting of a Sub-Inspector, Head
Constable and Constables.
Whenever any crime or unlawful activity takes place, the person affected
should immediately ring up the telephone number ‘100’. A complaint
lodged and the Inspector or Sub-Inspector comes to the scene of crime as
soon as possible. If the crime is serious, then a First Information Report
(FIR) is lodged. In case of a minor problem, a complaint is written.
The police investigates the matter and presents a report before the court
of law.
The main functions of a local police unit are:
1. It looks after the safety of the neighborhood and prevents crime by
patrolling the area.
2. It protects the vehicles and property from theft by having police booths
at crowded places and parking lots.
3. In case of a crime, it investigates the matter and brings the criminals to
justice.
4. Based on the FIR, it can arrest the accused person.
5. It assists the people of the locality in case of any accident or natural
calamity.
The role and functions of the police in general are: (a) to uphold and enforce the law
impartially, and to protect life, liberty, property, human rights, and dignity of the members of
the public; (b) to promote and preserve public order; (c) to protect internal security, to
prevent and control terrorist activities, breaches of communal harmony, militant activities and
other situations affecting Internal Security; (d) to protect public properties including roads,
railways, bridges, vital installations and establishments etc. against acts of vandalism,
violence or any kind of attack; (e) to prevent crimes, and reduce the opportunities for the
commission of crimes through their own preventive action and measures as well as by aiding
and cooperating with other relevant agencies in implementing due measures for 2 prevention
of crimes; (f) to accurately register all complaints brought to them by a complainant or his
representative, in person or received by post, e-mail or other means, and take prompt follow-
up action thereon, after duly acknowledging the receipt of the complaint; (g) to register and
investigate all cognizable offences coming to their notice through such complaints or
otherwise, duly supplying a copy of the First Information Report to the complainant, and
where appropriate, to apprehend offenders, and extend requisite assistance in the prosecution
of offenders; (h) to create and maintain a feeling of security in the community, and as far as
possible prevent conflicts and promote amity; (i) to provide, as first responders, all possible
help to people in situations arising out of natural or man-made disasters, and to provide active
assistance to other agencies in relief and rehabilitation measures; (j) to aid individual, who
are in danger of physical harm to their person or property, and to provide necessary help and
afford relief to people in distress situations; (k) to facilitate orderly movement of people and
vehicles, and to control and regulate traffic on roads and highways; (l) to collect intelligence
relating to matters affecting public peace, and all kind of crimes including social offences,
communalism, extremism, terrorism and other matters relating to national security, and
disseminate the same to all concerned agencies, besides acting, as appropriate on it
themselves. (m) To take charge, as a police officer on duty, of all unclaimed property and
take action for their safe custody and disposal in accordance with the procedure prescribed.
(n) To train, motivate and ensure welfare of police personnel
6. It ensures that traffic rules are respected so that accidents are reduced
to a minimum.
The police station is a symbol of safety and security to the people of a
locality
