Functions and responsibilities of SSP / SP

In India, a senior superintendent of police in metropolitan, highly populated or naxal-affected districts or superintendent of police in smaller districts heads the police force of a district. In districts where a senior superintendent is the head, the superintendent is the head of a large urban or rural area within a district. The superintendent is also the head of a large urban or rural area in a smaller district as well. SSP and SP Both the posts are the same when an SP becomes a senior then he is elected to the post of SSP.

Functions and responsibilities of Police

(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 forprevention 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.

Social Responsibilities of the Police

Every police officer shall: -

(a) behave with the members of the public with due courtesy and decorum, particularly so in dealing with senior citizens, women, and children.

(b) guide and assist members of the public, particularly senior citizen, women, children, the poor and indigent and the physically or mentally challenged individuals, who are found in helpless condition on the streets or other public places or otherwise need help and protection.

(c) provide all requisite assistance to victims of crime and of road accidents, and in particular ensure that they are given prompt medical aid, irrespective of medico-legal formalities, and facilities their compensation and other legal claims.

(d) ensure that in all situations, especially during conflict between communities, classes, castes and political groups, the conduct of the police is always governed by the principles of impartiality and human rights norms, with special attention to protection of weaker sections including minorities.

(e) prevent harassment of women and children in public places and public transport, including stalking, making objectionable gestures, signs, remarks or harassment caused in any way.

(f) render all requisite assistance to the members of the public, particularly women, children, and the poor and indigent persons, against criminal exploitation by any person or organised group.

(g) arrange for legally permissible sustenance and shelter to every person in custody and making known to all such persons provisions of legal aid schemes available from the Government and also inform the authorities concerned in this regard.

(h) preserve, promote and protect human rights and interests of weaker sections, backward classes, poor, weak and the downtrodden.

Work area of Police Officers -

1. Superintendent of Police – is responsible for the entire executive administration within his District including Ministerial Staffs under him.


2. Superintendent of Police (City) – The function of Superintendent of Police(City) to Assist Superintendent of Police in his duties of control and supervision entrusted by Superintendent of Police from time to time.


3. Addl. Superintendent of Police/Dy. Superintendent of Police – The function of Addl.S.P/D.S.P is to assist the Superintendent of police in his control of duties and supervision.


4. Reserve Inspector :- The Reserve Office is a branch of Superintendent of Police Office which is concerned mainly with matters connected with equipments and discipline and general management of the whole force of the District. The Reserve Officer is in the charge of an Inspector (Reserve Inspector) who has for him to assist a Sub- Inspector called Reserve Officer for maintaining his day to day duty as allotted by the Superintendent of Police.


5. Circle Inspector : A Circle Inspector is In-Charge of a circle (which comprise two or more police stations) on his responsibility is for the prevention and detection of crime in his circle and also supervise the duty of the police officers posted in his circle.


6. Office-In-Charge: Officer in-charge of a police station is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and also exercises power under the supervision of circle Inspector.


7. Head Assistant: The primary duty of Head Assistant is to supervise the work of the ministerial staffs and any other work entrusted by the Gazetted officers .