Indian Punjab Police

 The Punjab Police is the law enforcement agency for the state of Punjab, India, and is one of the oldest and most respected police forces in the country. It is responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crime, and ensuring public safety and security across Punjab.

Founding and History

• Founded: 1861 under the British Indian Police Act

• The modern structure evolved post-independence, especially after Punjab’s reorganization in 1966.

• It played a critical role during the insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s, especially during the Khalistan movement, fighting terrorism and restoring order.

Organizational Structure

The Punjab Police functions under the Home Department of the Government of Punjab.

Key Positions:

• Director General of Police (DGP): Head of Punjab Police

• Additional DGPs – Oversee major departments (Law & Order, Intelligence, etc.)

• Commissioners of Police – For major cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar

• Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) – Head district police units

• Station House Officers (SHOs) – In charge of individual police stations

Divisions and Wings

Punjab Police has various specialized units to tackle modern-day challenges:

• Punjab Police Special Operations Group (SOG)

• Intelligence Wing

• Cyber Crime Cell

• Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF)

• Women Safety Wing

• Anti-Drug Special Task Force (STF)

• Punjab Highway Patrol

• Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team

Functions and Responsibilities

• Prevent and detect crime

• Maintain law and order

• Handle public protests and emergencies

• Monitor and secure borders (as Punjab shares an international border with Pakistan)

• Combat drug trafficking, a major issue in the state

• Tackle organized crime, cybercrime, and terrorism

Modernization and Technology

Punjab Police is actively modernizing:

• Online FIR system for public access

• CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems)

• Punjab Police App for grievance redressal and safety

• Use of body-worn cameras, drone surveillance, and digital forensics

Reforms and Public Interface

• Community Policing Initiatives like Saanjh Kendras (police-public interface centers)

• Focus on gender sensitization and child safety

• Establishment of 24/7 women helpline 181

• Campaigns against domestic violence, cyberbullying, and drug addiction

Challenges Faced

• Drug abuse and trafficking, especially along the India-Pakistan border

• Gangster activity and youth recruitment into crime

• Maintaining communal harmony in sensitive regions

• Tackling cybercrime, which has seen a rise in recent years

Notable Achievements

• Recognized for successfully curbing terrorism in the 1990s

• One of the first state police forces to set up a dedicated cyber cell

• Leadership in anti-drug campaigns and seizures