Know Your Police
Useful police-related public awareness information is arranged clearly for visitors to understand.
Know Your Police
This page helps citizens understand police duties, powers and public responsibilities in simple language.
Why do we have a police force?
We have a police force to provide citizens with a sense of safety and security, maintain peace and order, prevent and detect crime, and ensure that everyone follows the law.
What are the police supposed to do?
The police must prevent and control crime, detect and investigate offences, prepare honest evidence-based cases and maintain overall law and order.
What is meant by police powers?
Police powers are powers given by law. They must be used only according to lawful procedure, including arrest, search, investigation, crowd control and public order duties.
Is there just one police force in India?
No. Each state has its own police force under the state government. Some territories and central areas come under central government control.
What are paramilitary forces?
Paramilitary forces such as CRPF, BSF, Assam Rifles, ITBP and NSG support special duties, security and public order responsibilities.
Can anyone become a police officer?
Yes, eligible candidates can join at different ranks by meeting educational, physical, written-test, interview and medical standards.
What is the IPS?
IPS means Indian Police Service. It is one of the three all-India services and provides senior police officers across the country.