Patna: In a decision to modernise law and order and investigation systems, the state govt and police headquarters have decided to post police inspectors as station house officers (SHOs) in all 425 general category police stations across the state.The order was issued by the DGP Vinay Kumar on Monday. Currently, 208 police stations already have inspector-rank SHOs. In view of requirements under the new criminal laws, 217 more police stations would be upgraded to this category. They were selected based on size, crime sensitivity and an average of at least 350 cases registered annually at the police stations.The overhaul follows the implementation of three new criminal laws from July 1, 2024: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). The laws aim to promote citizen-centric policing, prioritise scientific evidence and ensure speedy disposal of cases.Posting experienced inspector-rank officers is expected to ensure timely, scientific investigation of serious and sensitive crimes. Forensic Science Labs (FSL) are also being strengthened to improve probe quality.In line with Supreme Court guidelines in the ‘Prakash Singh vs Others’ case and the Bihar Police Act-2007, police stations already have separate investigation and law & order units. Under the new rule, each inspector-rank SHO will now have two separate sub-inspector-rank officers — additional SHO (investigation) and additional SHO (law & order) — working under them. This will help SHOs better supervise divisions like juvenile crime, women help desks and law and order.The policy decision will not create any additional financial burden or require new posts. The 425 inspector postings will be adjusted from the existing sanctioned strength in districts.As per the order, SHOs of these selected stations will also function as ex officio ‘circle inspectors’ with all related powers, though their jurisdiction will remain limited to their own police station. Police headquarters has clarified that in case of emergency or short-term leave, no officer below inspector rank, such as a sub-inspector, will be made regular or full-time in charge of these stations.The order has been implemented across the state with immediate effect.
