POWER, DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF A S.H.O.

Rajendra Dhar
POLICE WATCH INDIA (Regd. NGO).

The power of police forces lies in their right to enforce the law. Although, rules which govern the duties of police officers differ from country to country, their basic responsibilities remain the same. The word ‘police’ has its origin in the Latin term, ‘politia’, which means civil administration. The term, politia is a derivative of the Greek word ‘polis’, interpreted as ‘city’ in English. Responsibilities of police forces are different from defence forces. Police officers have to work closely with the civil society to maintain law and order. Their job is of no lesser significance if compared to that of defence forces; this is because it requires great patience and presence of mind to handle tricky situations which may arise while working in close proximity with civilians.

The job of a police officer requires vigilance, physical and mental strength and other such skills to effectively perform their duties.

Protecting the life and property of people is one of the important responsibilities of police officers. The legal system acts as a support system for the police and offers them the rights and authority to perform their duties. The laws and ordinances enable police officers to approach a problem in a systematic manner.

Patrolling the area assigned to them is one of the important duties of police officers. While on a routine patrol a police officer checks for violations (if any) of rules and regulations & law. Patrolling may be done on foot, on a motorcycle, or using a Jeep/Car.

Police officers have to fulfill the routine assignments delegated to them by their seniors in its entirety.

Responsibilities assigned to them are varied in nature and range from conducting interrogations to carrying out search operations related to criminal cases.

Answering the complaints associated with criminal activities and accidents is one of the prime responsibilities of police officers. In order to perform this kind of job without hassles, police officers need to have a clear understanding and knowledge of rules and laws to be enforced.

The activity of ‘community policing’ exercised by the police helps in keeping a close eye on criminals; this in turn creates a safe atmosphere for people in the society.

Reprimanding petty criminals who commit minor crimes is one of the responsibilities of police officers. The police can penalize offenders by issuing citations. A citation is a kind of summon issued ‘on the spot’ i.e. where the crime has taken place. In case of violation of traffic rules, police officers have the right to impose a fine.

Keeping the situation at a crime scene under control is one of the important responsibilities of a police officer. Gathering evidence pertaining to crimes, conducting investigations, questioning witnesses and related activities form an important part of a police officer’s duty. Police officers also provide basic life support to those in need. People who get injured during accidents, those who need emergency medical help, etc. can avail the help of police. The police officers are required to obtain written statements from drivers of vehicles involved in accidents.

Clearing the wreckage from the spot of accident and clearing traffic congestion are amongst the duties of traffic police.

In few countries, it expected that police officers intervene to prevent crimes, even if they are not on duty at that time.

EVERY POLICE STATION HOUSE OFFICER (SHO) IS & SHOULD FULLY BE RESPONSIBLE & ACCOUNTABLE (PERSONALLY AS WELL AS OFFICIALLY) FOR ALL THAT HAPPENS IN THE AREA UNDER HIS JURISDICTION AS WELL AS FOR THE DEEDS & ACTIONS OF ALL POLICE OFFICERS SUBORDINATE TO HIM & REPORTING TO HIM.

THIS HAS TO BE ENSURED BY ALL THE SENIOR COPS AT ALL COSTS & THIS COULD WELL BE THE BEGINNING OF MEANINGFULL & FRUITFUL “POLICE REFORMS”.

A HONEST CONFESSION OF A SERVING S.H.O. is that, the day all S.H.O.s truly start acting as S.H.O.s & stop acting as MINT HOUSE OFFICERS (M.H.O.) for their Errant & Corrupt Seniors the AAM AADMI will start respecting the Police as the Crime Rate will fall dramatically pursuant to that.