Guwahati, 20th March: In a significant move aimed at bolstering investigative processes within the state, the Governor of Assam has issued a notification granting enhanced powers to the Officer-in-Charge of Police Stations under Section 157(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. This development follows extensive deliberations held during the State Police Conference in July 2023 and a subsequent proposal submitted by the CID Headquarters, Assam.
Under the new directive, the Officer-in-Charge of a Police Station is now authorized to assign investigation duties to designated subordinate officers. The criteria for such assignments are clearly outlined in the notification, which specifies the eligibility criteria for officers based on their rank and experience.
Assistant Sub-inspectors of Police (Unarmed Branch) are empowered to investigate cases with a maximum punishment of up to seven years of imprisonment. Similarly, individuals holding the rank of Lance Naik (Unarmed Branch), Naik (Unarmed Branch), and Head Constable (Unarmed Branch), with a minimum educational qualification of graduation and at least six years of experience in Police Service, are eligible to investigate cases carrying a maximum punishment of up to three years of imprisonment.
To ensure the competency of designated officers, the Assam Police Headquarters (APHQ) will oversee comprehensive training programs conducted by institutions such as the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy Training Institute. Successful completion of these training programs and the issuance of “RESULT-CUM-QUALIFICATION” certificates will be prerequisites for officers to undertake investigative duties.
Moreover, the notification mandates periodic performance reviews of Investigation Officers (IOs) by APHQ. Non-performing or under-performing IOs will undergo refresher courses every two years, while exemplary performers will be duly recognized for their contributions.
APHQ, Assam, will submit biannual reports to the Government, detailing the deployment of Investigation Officers (IOs) across districts. These reports will be based on key performance indicators such as average monthly case registrations, IOs’ strength in each district, average monthly case disposal rates, and the average time taken for investigation completion.
This proactive measure is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of criminal investigations across Assam, ultimately leading to swift justice delivery and the maintenance of law and order in the state.
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