Jamshedpur: Police stations in Jamshedpur are grappling with a shortage of constables, affecting patrolling and crime investigations, sources said.According to police sources, 15 police stations in the city have only 5-7 constables each, which is inadequate for routine patrol duties, beat policing and quick response. The crisis is sharper in seven police stations that report frequent criminal cases.The shortage has also begun to affect crime investigations. Investigating officers, who are expected to probe serious cases, are increasingly being diverted to patrolling, maintaining law and order and resolving minor disputes. This has delayed investigation of pending cases and affected the timely filing of chargesheets against accused.The shortage is linked to the lack of fresh recruitment. The last appointment of constables was made in 2017. Over the past nine years, several constables have also been promoted to the rank of assistant sub-inspectors, creating vacancies. Police sources said filling up these posts is crucial for effective patrolling and crime control.A police officer said the strength of personnel from ASI to inspector ranks is satisfactory, but the number of constables, who form the backbone of beat duty and local intelligence gathering, is not sufficient. Their absence weakens a police station’s ability to track suspicious activities, build ground-level networks and prevent crimes, he added.Newly appointed East Singhbhum SSP Ehtesham Waqarib, during his interaction with the media on July 2, said that “all the issues pertaining to better policing are being looked into to ensure safety and security of the people”.