Separate investigation wings at all stations: DGP

In all station across the State, police personnel in the investigation wing will be responsible for probing of all cases, including law and order cases. Also, they should not be diverted for bundobust duties, the DGP’s order read. While the order indicated restructuring the job profile of personnel at the station level, it also hinted at balancing the powers of both the wings.

Quoting the respective orders of the Supreme Court and the State government of 2006 and 2011, the DGP said police stations should have two units - law & order and investigation wing (crime). Accordingly, the State police administration has suggested a change in staffing pattern as well.

As per the provisions laid down in the Tamil Nadu Police (reforms) Act, 2013, the investigation wing shall be responsible for investigation and prosecution of all cases registered in the station, including the cases detected by the law and order wing.

He also said that officers of the investigation wing shall not be diverted for bundobust duties without prior approval of the zonal Inspector General of Police or Commissioner of Police.

The DGP also asked all Commissioners and District Superintendents of Police to issue suitable instructions to station heads regarding the order. The order further noted that Detective (crime) Sub-Inspector in each police station will be being named missing persons’ liaison officer (MPLO) to coordinate efforts to trace missing persons.

As per the new structure, a Metro-I station will have a total strength of 120, in which 90 personnel will be for law and order and 30 will be part of the investigation wing. Metro-I will have one inspector for each wing. Metro II will have a sanctioned strength of 100, of which 76 will go to L&O. Apart from Metro I and II, police stations are further classified as heavy, medium and light. Heavy stations will have a strength of 80, while medium and light will have 60 and 30 personnel respectively.