Kerala Police

Prior to independence, the Kerala Police was governed by different administrations. Kerala Police traces its roots to the erstwhile Travancore State Police, which was established in 1936. After the integration of the princely states of Travancore and Cochin, the present-day Kerala Police was formed in 1956. The first Chief of Kerala Police was Shri. N.Chandrasekharan Nair IPS. N. Chandrasekharan Nair IPS became the first Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Kerala and is often recognized as the first police chief of the state. In 1960, the Kerala Police was given more powers and duties by the enactment of the Kerala Police Act of 1960. This legislative framework provided the foundation for modern policing in Kerala. The first women's police station in India was established in Kozhikode in 1973 and was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi. In 1981, the position of the head of the Kerala Police department was elevated to Director General of Police (DGP). T. Ananta Shankara Iyer IPS became the first DGP of Kerala. In 2019, Kerala Police underwent a structural change: previously, two Additional Directors General of Police oversaw the Northern and Southern Police Zones; however, these positions were downgraded to Inspector General (IGP) rank. The charge of the Police Zones was entrusted to Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) and placed under the single command of the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order). Sheikh Darvesh Saheb IPS become the first ADGP law and order of the state. == Current general/flag officers ==

Police headquarters The Kerala Police is headed by the State Police Chief, who is the senior-most Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in the state and holds the rank of Director General of Police (DGP). The Director General of Police-cum-State Police Chief is appointed by the Government of Kerala from among the officers nominated by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). State Police Chief (SPC) is designated as the head of the department for all administrative and operational purposes. The state police headquarters is also the office of the State Police Chief and is located in Thiruvananthapuram, the state's capital. The SPC is assisted by staff officers ranging from the Additional Director General of Police to the Deputy Superintendent of Police at the headquarters. The HQ oversees and coordinates the overall functioning of the police department in the state. The state police structure comprises units such as Intelligence, Law & Order, Crime Branch, Armed Police Battalions, State Special Branch, Kerala Police Academy, Police Training College, Coastal Police, State Crime Records Bureau, Social Policing, Traffic, Economic Offences Wing, Protection of Civil Rights, and Cyber Operations. Each unit is further divided into several divisions, zones, ranges, districts for better administration. Each unit is overseen by an officer with the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). Hierarchy Officers: • Director General of Police & State Police Chief (DGP & SPC) • Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) • Inspector General of Police (IG) • Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) • Superintendent of Police (SP) • Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl.SP) • Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) IPS] or Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) KPS • Inspector of Police (IP) • Sub-Inspector of Police (SI) • Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police (ASI) • Head constable/Senior Civil Police Officer (SCPO) • Constable/Civil Police Officer (CPO) Police Zones, ranges and districts == Law and Order ==

The Law and Order Wing, also known as the General Executive Branch, is the uniformed division of the Kerala Police and serves as its primary operational arm. Officers in this wing are deployed at the district, city, and local police station levels. They wear standard police uniforms and are often the first point of contact between the public and the police system.central role in everyday policing duties such as patrolling, crime investigation, crowd control, traffic management, responding to emergencies, and conducting routine law enforcement operations. The Law and Order wing is headed by an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and divided into police zones, ranges, districts, subdivisions, and police stations. The incumbent ADGP (Law and Order) is H. Venkatesh, IPS. Office of the ADGP, Law and Order The Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order (ADGP L&O) is the head of the law and order wing of the Kerala Police, with its headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. As a key component of the state police, the ADGP L&O oversees the overall supervision and administration of police zones, ranges, and district police, ensuring effective law and order maintenance throughout Kerala. The ADGP L&O is responsible for the day-to-day operations of local police, including police station functions, patrolling, crime prevention and detection, law and order maintenance, and traffic management. The ADGP L&O functions under the State Police Chief and reports to him. Police zones The state of Kerala is divided into two police zones: South Zone and North Zone. Each zone is headed by an Inspector General of Police (IGP). The headquarters of the South Zone is at Nandavanam in Thiruvananthapuram district and the North Zone is at Nadakkavu in Kozhikode. The zone is further divided into ranges, with each police range encompassing several police districts. There are four police ranges in total: Thiruvananthapuram Range, Ernakulam Range, Thrissur Range, and Kannur Range. Kannur Range and Thrissur Range comes under North Zone, whereas Ernakulam Range and Thiruvananthapuram Range comes under South Zone. Police ranges A police range consists several police districts under its jurisdiction. There are four police ranges: Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kannur. Each range is headed by a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Police Commissionerates A police Commissionerate is a law enforcement body especially in the urban parts of the state. The Commissionerate is headed by a Commissioner of Police (CP). There are Six Commissionerate under Kerala Police for Urban Area policing. Currently Thiruvananthapuram City Police, Kochi City Police and Kozhikode City Police are headed by Commissioners of Police with the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). The remaining Kollam City Police, Thrissur City Police, and Kannur City Police are headed by Commissioners of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP). The Commissioners of Police in Thiruvananthapuram City, Kochi City, and Kozhikode City are assisted by Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) with the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP). Each DCP is in charge of Law and Order, Crimes, Traffic, and Administration. The DCPs are assisted by Additional DCPs and Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. • The Commissionerates of Thiruvananthapuram City and Kochi City do not fall under police zones, and their Commissioners report directly to the State Police Chief through the ADGP (Law and Order). • Presently these Commissionerates are not vested with magisterial powers. Police districts There are 20 police districts in total. Eight of these police districts are coterminous with the respective revenue districts, while the remaining 12 police districts are situated within revenue districts that are bifurcated into city and rural. Out of these 20 police districts, 14 are rural police districts, and 6 are city police districts (also known as police commissionerates). Each police district is headed by a District Police Chief (DPC). The District Police Chief must be an officer holding the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) or higher. In specific districts such as Thiruvananthapuram City, Kochi City, and Kozhikode City, the role of District Police Chief (commonly referred to as the Police Commissioner) is filled by higher-ranking officers, specifically those with the ranks of Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), and remaining police districts are headed by officers holding the rank of Superintendent of Police. The DPC is assisted by an Additional Superintendent of Police, and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs). Each district comprises two or more subdivisions, several police stations and other special units. The special units are District Special Branch, District Crime Branch, District Crime Records Bureau, Narcotics Cell, and the Armed Reserve Camp. These units are headed by Deputy Superintendents of Police. Subdivisions Each police district is divided into some subdivisions to supervise activities of several police stations under its jurisdiction. There are 91 police sub-divisions in Kerala. Each sub-division is headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) or an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in the case of city police sub-divisions. The police officer in charge of a sub division is called Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO). DYSPs or ACPs are posted as SDPOs. A sub-division consists several Police Stations under its jurisdiction. Police Stations A Subdivision is further divided into Police Station areas, each of which is under an Inspector of Police designated as Station House Officer (SHO). A Police Station (PS) is the basic unit of policing, responsible for prevention and detection of crime, maintenance of public order, enforcing law in general as well as for performing protection duties and making security arrangements for the constitutional authorities, government functionaries, representatives of the public in different legislative bodies and local self governments, public figures etc. Kerala has 484 local police stations that handle routine law enforcement and investigations. In addition, there are 80 special police stations: coastal police stations manage coastal security, cybercrime police stations deal with cyber crimes, and women police stations handle crimes against women, such as domestic violence and harassment. Inspectors in charge of police stations are known as Inspector SHOs (ISHO). In small police stations sub-inspectors are appointed as SHOs. At the police station level, there are typically two wings: the law and order and the crime investigation. These are headed by a sub-inspector of police (SIs) who oversees the respective functions of maintaining public order and conducting criminal investigations within the station's jurisdiction. The Sub Inspector (Law & Order) handles general policing duties such as maintaining law and order, crime prevention, patrolling, and public safety, while the Sub Inspector (Crimes) is responsible for investigation-related duties, including crime registration, evidence collection, interrogation, arrests, and submission of final reports to court. The Station House Officer is assisted by personnel of the ranks of Sub Inspector, Assistant Sub Inspector, Senior Civil Police Officer, and Civil Police Officer in policing operations. Some police stations have outposts attached to them, which are typically headed by assistant sub-inspectors or senior civil police officers. A police outpost functions under the jurisdiction of its respective police station and is typically established in remote or rural areas within the limits of a large police station. == Crime Branch ==

}} The Crime Branch is the specialized investigation wing of the Kerala police. The Crime Branch has its headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram and headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). Crime Branch investigates cases that are entrusted to it by the State Police Chief or the Government or the High Court of Kerala. This department was earlier known as Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID). Crime Branch is the Nodal agency for Interpol related matters in the State and conducts verifications or enquiries on behalf of Interpol. Crime Branch is specialized in investigation of complex organized crimes, financial frauds, economic offences with huge ramifications, undetected or sensitive crime cases, cases with inter-state ramifications, etc. Crime Branch officers operate in plainclothes, similar to those in the Special Branch, and are primarily involved in investigative and intelligence-related duties. The state crime branch includes special units like Economic Offences Wing, Organised Crime Wing, etc. The crime branch wing is divided into ranges and units. Each range is headed by an Inspector General of Police (IGP) and each unit is headed by a Superintendent of Police (SP). There are three ranges headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. There are 14 district units under Crime Branch. The Crime Branch also includes Deputy Superintendents of Police, Detective Inspectors, Detective Sub Inspectors, Detective Assistant Sub Inspectors, Senior Civil Police Officers, and Civil Police Officers. There is no direct recruitment to the Crime Branch; postings are typically made on deputation from the General Executive Branch (Civil Police) based on eligibility and experience. Apart from this, the District Crime Branch (C-Branch) functions under the respective District Police Chiefs. District C-Branch is headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police. District C Branch acts as specialized investigating wing of the District Police Chief which is mandated to help in investigating sensational cases at the district level. The District Crime Branch is not subordinate to the State Crime Branch; instead, it operates under the Law and Order Wing of the state police. ==State Special Branch==

}} The State Special Branch (SSB) is the intelligence wing of the Kerala police. The State Special Branch has its headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram and headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). The SSB currently operates four wings: 1) Intelligence 2). Internal Security 3) Security and 4) Administration. The following divisions operate under Internal Security: 1) Extremist Cell 2) A communal cell. 3) Organised Crime (IS), 4) Digital Surveillance Unit (DSU), and 5) Digital Security Data Bank. The Security Wing comprises the VVIP/VIP Security Team, the BDDS Wing, the Foreigners Wing, and the Passport & Verification Wing. The ADGP, Intelligence is assisted by Inspectors General of Police, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Superintendents of Police, Deputy Superintendents of Police, and subordinate officers. There are 4 Range offices, each headed by an SP, and 17 Detachments in districts led by DYSPs. In addition, Internal Security Wings operate in four Range offices under the supervision of DYSPs. The State Special Branch (SSB) is primarily concerned with the collection, collation and dissemination of intelligence on and about various political, communal, terrorist, national security, and labour activities and with relation to various law and order issues like agitations, strikes, demonstrations, protests, etc. The SSB functions as the eyes and ears of the government. ==Armed police battalions==

There are eleven armed police battalions in the state, which serve as reserve forces to be deployed whenever and wherever district police fall short of manpower in the maintenance of law and order. The Armed Police is under the command of the Additional Director General of Police (Armed Police Battalions), who functions under the overall control of the State Police Chief. The ADGP is assisted by a Deputy Inspector General of Police. The Armed Police comprises 12 battalions, each headed by a Commandant of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP). The Commandant is assisted by a Deputy Commandant and Assistant Commandants. The headquarters of the Armed Police Battalions is located in Thiruvananthapuram. Malabar Special Police is the oldest paramilitary force of India after Assam Rifles, established during the period of British India. Battalions • Kerala Armed Police - KAP I (Tripunithura, Ernakulam) • Kerala Armed Police - KAP II (Muttikulangara, Palakkad) • Kerala Armed Police - KAP III (Adoor, Pathanamthitta) • Kerala Armed Police - KAP IV (Mangattuparamba, Kannur) • Kerala Armed Police - KAP V (Kuttikanam, Idukki) • Kerala Armed Police - KAP VI (Valayam, Kozhikode) • Malabar Special Police - MSP (Malappuram) • Special Armed Police - SAP (Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram) • Rapid Response and Rescue Force - RRRF (Pandikkad, Malappuram) • India Reserve Battalion - IRBn (Ramavarmapuram, Thrissur) • State Industrial Security Force - SISF (Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram) • Armed Women Police Battalion - AWPBn (Kazhakkoottam, Thiruvananthapuram) • Their primary functions include controlling communal disturbances and riots, providing security during elections and major public events, assisting during natural disasters and emergencies, protecting vital installations and institutions, and reinforcing district police units when additional manpower is required. The Armed Police Cadre consists of personnel serving in the armed battalions and reserve units of the state police. Direct recruitment to the Armed Police Cadre is conducted at the ranks of Armed Police Constable and Armed Police Sub-Inspector through the Kerala Public Service Commission. ==Police technical divisions==

• State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB): Maintains crime and criminal data and oversees various police technical divisions; headed by an ADGP or IGP. • Information Communication and Technology (ICT) wing: Manages digital systems and IT infrastructure, headed by a Superintendent of Police (SP). • Police Telecommunication unit: Oversees wireless communication networks, headed by a Superintendent of Police (SP). • Finger Print Bureau: Handles fingerprint collection and identification. • State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL): Conducts scientific analysis of evidence. • Police Motor Transport Wing: headed by an SP. This unit is responsible for matters related to motor transport, maintenance of department vehicles, etc. Police Cyber Division The Cyber Division is headed by an Inspector General of Police (IGP) with 465 personnel, it handles cybercrime prevention and investigation through wings for research & analysis, training, cyber patrolling, intelligence, and investigation, with Police Cyberdome serving as its R&D centre. The Cyber division has a total strength of 466 personnel, including two Superintendents of Police (SPs) and four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs). All police units engaged in the investigation, research, and prevention of cybercrimes in the state come under the Cyber Division, including the Hi-Tech Crime Enquiry Cell of the Crime Branch, the Kerala Police Cyberdome, and the Cyber Crime Police Stations functioning in various police districts. There are Cyber Crime Police Stations for each of 20 police districts, who look after the cyber crime investigation. ==Specialised units==

Tourism Police Tourism Police wing has been functioning in the state for maintaining law and order, preventing attack and harassment on tourists. They also assist the tourists for getting tourist related information, guidance, etc. The uniform of Tourism Police Officers is sky blue shirt and khakee pants. International Tourism Police Station and Police Museum at Mattancherry in Ernakulam district is the first of its kind in the country which not only addresses grievances of tourists but also showcases the history of the Kerala Police. The primary aim of the station is to make the state of Kerala more tourist-friendly. Coastal Police Coastal Police Stations handle the security of the coasts and carry out the patrolling in the sea up to 12 nautical miles. The cases reported on the sea (in the Territorial Waters) will be investigated by the Coastal Police. The headquarters of Kerala Coastal Police is situated at Kochi. The Kerala Coastal Police is headed by an Inspector General of Police (IGP). The Inspector General (Coastal Police) is assisted by an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG). There are 18 Coastal Police Stations across the coastal areas of Kerala. The first coastal police station in Kerala was the Neendakara Coastal Police Station, established in 2009 in Kollam district. Railway Police The responsibility of the Kerala Railway Police is to maintain law and order, prevent and detect crime on the railways and railway stations in Kerala. The Kerala Railway Police is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of passengers and their belongings within the state's railway network. This includes preventing and detecting crimes both at railway stations and on trains. Their jurisdiction extends to the 1027 km of railway lines in Kerala. It is functioning incorporate with Railway Protection Force (RPF). The Superintendent of Police (Railways) is the Unit Head and functions under supervision of A.D.G.P (Intelligence & Railways). There are 13 Railway Police Stations in Kerala. They are located in the main Railway station premises at Trivandrum Central, Parassala, Kollam, Punalur, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam Junction, Thrissur, Shornur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod. Traffic Police The traffic wing is headed by the Inspector General of Police (Traffic and Road Safety Management), under whom the state is divided into two zones—North and South—each supervised by a Superintendent of Police (Traffic). Operationally, the traffic police function under the control of the respective District Police Chiefs. In major cities, traffic administration is overseen by Assistant Commissioners of Police. There are Traffic Enforcement Units (TEUs), formerly known as Traffic Police Stations, which are responsible for traffic management and road safety enforcement within their jurisdiction. Each TEU is headed by an Inspector (in the case of large cities) or a Sub-Inspector (in towns), and is assisted by police personnel and Home Guards. Kerala Highway Police Highway Police focus on traffic enforcement to prevent road accidents and assist victims. At present a total of 56 Highway Police Patrols are functioning along all the important Roads in Kerala. Highway Police functions under the respective District Police Chiefs. Each Highway Police Vehicle is assigned an 'Operational area' and a Base Station. The Officers and men are deployed for duty in the Highway Patrol Vehicles are from various Police Stations in the Police District. Highway police is responsible for patrolling national highways and state highways. They are tasked with traffic enforcement in highways, accident assistance, maintenance of law and order in highways. Mounted Police Kerala Police maintains a mounted unit headquartered at Kennettumukku, Thiruvananthapuram. Originating from the ceremonial guards of the Travancore state, the wing is employed for ceremonial programs, parades, public events, crowd control, and night and morning patrols. The unit has a sanctioned strength of 25 horses and functions under the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner. The wing is headed by a Reserve Inspector (Mounted Unit), with an Assistant Director (Veterinary) and a Livestock Inspector responsible for equine healthcare. Police Control Room The Control room serves as the central communication hub for police operations in a city or police district. It is responsible for receiving emergency calls (commonly through the 112 helpline), dispatching patrol units, and coordinating immediate police response to incidents. In cities and districts, Control Room Vehicles (CRVs) are deployed across strategic points to ensure immediate police presence and intervention. PCR units also coordinate closely with traffic, highway, and local police stations for effective field operations. The State-level main control room (Police Chief Control Room) operates from the Police Headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. District-level PCRs function under the direct supervision of the District Police Chief and are usually headed by an officer of DySP rank. In cities, they are supervised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police and headed by Assistant Commissioners of Police. The CRV mobiles patrol across city and rural areas, and respond to emergency calls received through 112, as well as to law and order issues and other emergencies. Each CRV vehicle is led by an officer, usually a Sub-Inspector or Assistant Sub-Inspector, and is staffed by Civil Police Officers. Pink Police Patrol . As part of improving women safety in public places, Kerala Police has rolled out a special patrol team called pink patrol with all women police officers, patrolling across all the busy areas of the various cities of Kerala. Pink police ensures the safety of women and children, prevents harassment, and responds to distress calls through 112. The team has been allotted pink sedan cars. The Pink patrol vehicles are fitted with GPS and other smart equipments for faster response and assistance as well as has on-board cameras and scanning systems to identify potential offenders. It operates with a dedicated Pink Control Room (Dial 1515) and specially marked patrol vehicles. The patrols are staffed by women police officers, usually led by a woman Sub-Inspector or Assistant Sub-Inspector, and function under the supervision of district police chiefs. There are a total of 52 Pink Police Patrol vehicles in Kerala, each staffed by three women officers, including the driver. These patrols operate from 8 AM to 8 PM. Narcotic Cell Narcotic Cell collects intelligence on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) and pass it on to concerned police stations according to the gravity of cases. Monitoring and Supervising cases registered under NDPS Act is also done by this wing. Abkari raids are being conducted by Narcotic Cell on information. The District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) functions as the operational arm of the narcotic cells. District Narcotic Cell is functioning in all police districts, headed by an officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, and under supervision of District Police Chiefs. Women Cell State Women Cell is headed by a Superintendent of Police. In addition, One District Women Cell is also functioning in all Police Districts, each headed by a Woman Inspector. The State Women Cell is functioning at the Police Headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The first Woman Police Station started at Kozhikode in 1973. Kerala Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) The Kerala Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), established in 2013, is a specialized unit dedicated to countering terrorism and extremist activities in the state. The Kerala ATS is headed by an Inspector General of Police (IGP). It is responsible for the investigation and intelligence related to terrorism and national security. It liaison with National Investigation Agency (NIA) (federal counter terrorism agency) and other state agencies. The KATS is responsible for investigating and addressing terrorist-related activities, including threats from religious fundamentalism, organized terrorism, and left-wing extremism. The squad is empowered to act under various laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act, and Explosives Act. Thunderbolts Thunderbolts is the elite commando unit of Kerala Police. It performs perilous counter-terrorism, jungle-warfare, and hostage-rescue operations. Thunderbolts are a form of SPG and NSG, which are trained to take on air, water and land attacks. Avengers (Urban Commando Wing) The Avengers Urban Commando Wing is a specialized tactical unit, established in February 2023 to address urban terrorism and high-risk threats in metropolitan areas. This elite force functions similarly to a SWAT team and is designed to respond swiftly to situations such as terrorist attacks, hostage crises, and the apprehension of high-value targets. Initially, the unit was deployed in major cities including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode, with plans for further expansion based on operational needs. The unit comprises 96 commandos selected from the Thunderbolts (Kerala Police's primary commando force) and the India Reserve Battalion. Special Operations Group (SOG) The Special Operations Group (SOG) is an elite police unit of the Kerala Police, Primarily tasked with counter left-wing extremism operations, the SOG focuses on neutralizing Left-wing extremism, including Maoist activities. The SOG functions as a separate entity under the direct control of the State Police Chief, and is headed by a Superintendent of Police (SP). The SOG primarily operates in districts with a history of Left-wing extremism, such as Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, etc. == Ranks and insignia ==

• In the Armed Police, the titles of Commandant, Deputy Commandant, and Assistant Commandant replace the ranks of Superintendent (SP), Additional Superintendent (Addl.SP), and Deputy Superintendent (DySP) respectively. • Circle Inspector (CI) is not an official rank but a posting (currently not existing), referring to an Inspector of Police (IP) in charge of a police circle. • In the Armed Police, the prefix "Armed Police" is used for all ranks (e.g., Armed Police Inspector, Armed Police Sub Inspector, Armed Police Constable), replacing the standard police rank titles. • The title of Havildar replaces the rank of Head constable in the Armed Police. • In the Civil Police, the ranks of Constable and Head Constable are designated as Civil Police Officer (CPO) and Senior Civil Police Officer (SCPO), respectively. The ranks in the Kerala Police range from Constable to DGP. See: Rank structure. Promotion There is a regular line of promotion based on arising vacancies, contingent on factors such as seniority and eligibility. Despite meeting educational qualifications, many Civil Police Officers (CPOs) retire with only one or two official promotion during their service. Grade-based designations, while allowing the wearing of higher-rank uniforms and performing related duties, do not reflect in official records or confer actual rank advancement, leading to dissatisfaction among constabulary personnel. Grade designation: Certain long-serving police personnel in Kerala Civil Police are designated with honorary ranks such as Sub Inspector (Grade), Assistant Sub Inspector (Grade), and Senior Civil Police Officer (Grade). These officials are permitted to wear the uniform and perform the duties of the higher rank, but for all official, legal, and disciplinary purposes, they are treated as holding their original lower rank. For example, an ASI (Grade) is treated as a Head Constable, and a Senior Civil Police Officer (Grade) as a Civil Police Officer. These grade designations do not affect seniority or pay but provide functional recognition. They will continue to carry the duties and responsibilities of the rank when they receive the honorary grade. Promotion to the regular higher rank is based on seniority and eligibility as determined by the Departmental Promotion Board. The eligibility criteria for the grade designation as follows; • Head constable Grade (Senior Civil Police Officer) - 12yrs of service as constable (Civil Police Officer). • Assistant Sub Inspector (Grade)- 20yrs of service as SCPO. • Sub Inspector (Grade) - 25yrs of service as ASI. Designations and equivalent ranks, pay scales ==Recruitment and Training==

Recruitment is carried out through both direct recruitment and promotion-based appointments, depending on the level and nature of the position. The recruitment processes are guided by the standards of the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Indian Police Service (IPS) Officers: The Indian Police Service (IPS) is an All India Service, and recruitment to it follows two primary routes: Direct Recruitment via UPSC: Candidates are selected through the Civil Services Examination conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). These officers are known as Regular Recruits (RR). After training, they are allotted to the Kerala cadre and begin their careers as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). Promotion from State Police Service (SPS): A portion of the IPS cadre strength—one-third in Kerala—is filled by promotee officers from the Kerala Police Service (SPS). Eligible officers, typically at the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP), are conferred IPS rank following due consultation with the State Government, the UPSC, and the Union Government (Union Ministry of Home Affairs). Unlike many other Indian states, Kerala does not allow direct recruitment to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) post, which is a Group A entry-level rank in State Police Services. In Kerala, this post is filled through promotion from the rank of Inspector of Police. Direct Recruitment by Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) The Kerala PSC is responsible for recruiting to subordinate ranks through competitive examinations and physical evaluations. Key posts filled by direct recruitment include: • Sub Inspector of Police (General Executive, Armed Reserve) • Civil Police Officer/Police Constable Specialized and Technical Recruitment • Armed Police Sub Inspector • Police Constable (Driver, Telecommunication, etc) • Police constable (Commando Wing) Promotion based recruitment Promotions are a major channel for career progression in the Kerala Police. Officers ascend through the ranks based on experience, seniority, and departmental examinations. Key promotions include: • Civil Police Officer — Senior Civil Police Officer — Assistant Sub Inspector of Police — Sub Inspector of Police • Constable — Havildar/Head Constable- Armed Police Assistant Sub Inspector - Armed Police Sub Inspector • Sub Inspector of Police — Inspector of Police - Deputy Superintendent of Police • Armed Police Sub Inspector — Armed Police Inspector — Assistant Commandant • Dy. Superintendent of Police — Additional Superintendent of Police — Superintendent of Police (non-IPS) Recruitment under Special Quotas Kerala Police reserves vacancies for candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), women, ex-servicemen, and sportspersons. These groups receive relaxations in age, physical standards, and qualifying marks as per government norms to ensure equitable representation in the force. Training The training wing of the state police is headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). There are two principal training institutions — the Kerala Police Academy (KEPA) in Thrissur, which provides basic training for recruits, and the Police Training College (PTC) in Thiruvananthapuram, which conducts advanced and in-service courses for serving personnel. Sub-inspector recruits undergo about a year of training at Kerala Police Academy. The course covers law, investigation, forensics, police station management, leadership, physical fitness, and weapons handling, preparing them to supervise personnel and manage police stations. General Executive SIs are trained in law enforcement, investigation, and station management, while Armed SIs focus on riot control, crowd management, special operations, and counter-insurgency. New recruit constables undergo their initial training in the armed police battalions, where the emphasis is on practical, field-oriented skills such as drill, weapons training, and riot control. After completing this training, they may either continue in the armed police battalions or, depending on vacancies and their willingness, be transferred to the district police through postings in the District Headquarters Camp (formerly known as the Armed Reserve Camp). On such transfer, their designation changes to Civil Police Officer (CPO), and they take up duties with the local police units. • Kerala Police Academy (KEPA): The Kerala Police Academy is headed by the Director of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). The Director is assisted by joint directors, assistant directors, HODs, etc. The academy is situated at Thrissur. The academy will cater to the training needs of all officers of the police department including IPS officers. • Police Training College (PTC): The head of Police Training College is Principal in the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP). It is situated in Thiruvananthapuram. The Basic Training and In-service courses are key Training programmes carried out in PTC. Apart from giving Basic Training, many In-Service Courses such as Refresher courses, Re-orientation courses, Familiarization courses, Cader courses are also being undertaken at PTC. Basic training for Excise Inspectors, Forest Officers and Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspectors are also now being conducted. Training of Probationary Officers is carried out in PTC. ==List of former Police Chiefs of Kerala==

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has termed Kerala Police as best in the country. In 2021 Kerala Police bagged the National e-Governance Award. Kerala Police has achieved several significant milestones over the years. Some of the notable achievements include: ::Women Police Stations: Kerala Police was the first in the country to establish women police stations, which exclusively deal with crimes against women. ::Cyberdome: Kerala Police established Cyberdome, a state-of-the-art facility for cyber security and cybercrime investigation. ::Janamaithri Suraksha: Kerala Police launched the Janamaithri Suraksha Project, a community policing initiative aimed at building a relationship of trust between the police and the public. ::Pink Patrol: Kerala Police launched Pink Patrol, a patrol team consisting of women police officers, to ensure the safety and security of women in public places. • The Public Affairs Index selected Kerala as the best state in 2016 and 2017 considering its excellence in law and order. • According to the grading conducted by Plan India for Women's Safety, Kerala ranks second in the country in terms of ensuring women's safety (Gender Vulnerability Index). • Kollam City Police achieved ISO 9001 certification for excellence in office functioning and maintaining high levels of quality control in day-to-day activities in January 2018. • Valapatnam Police Station has been selected as one of the top ten police stations in the country based on the inspection and study of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The handling of criminal cases, effective implementation of anti-drug activities and public involvement of the police helped the Valapatanam police station to achieve this achievement. • COPS Today International, a journal published by the Foundation for Research, recently honored Kerala Police's Community Policing Program Janmaitri Police Project with the Police Excellence Award. • Kerala Police’s CCTV system was praised by the Supreme Court as exemplary, urging other states to follow. ==Statistics==

As of 1 January 2024, data published by BPRD, the sanctioned strength of the Kerala Police was 61,692, comprising 50,488 Civil Police, 10,020 Special Armed Police, and 1,184 personnel in India Reserve Battalions (IRB). The actual strength was 54,939, with 46,907 Civil Police, 7,017 Special Armed Police, and 1,015 IRB personnel. The police-population ratio in Kerala was 172 per lakh population (actual), with civil police alone at 131 per lakh. Each police officer covered approximately 581 people, and one police officer was responsible for 653 sq km. Kerala has 565 sanctioned police stations, and the state maintains good transport facilities with approximately 11 vehicles per 100 police personnel. The strength of women police in Kerala was 4,334, accounting for about 7.9% of total police personnel. == Controversies ==

Kerala Police has faced several controversies over the years. Some of the notable controversies include allegations of custodial deaths, where suspects died in police custody, fake encounter killings, where suspects were killed in fake encounters, and police brutality, where suspects were subjected to excessive force during arrest or interrogation. There have been several allegations of irregularities and brutalities by Kerala Police officials. Kerala Police has been accused of failure in curbing violence and failure to act on intelligence reports. The Kerala Police was criticized for its failure to control the event of 2014 Kiss of Love protest against moral policing. Police allowed counter-protesters—who included members of Shiv Sena, SDPI, and Bajrang Dal—to attack the protest. Although they attempted to physically stop the Kiss of Love protesters from legally protesting, none of the counter protesters were removed. Police later claimed that they arrested the Kiss of Love protesters to save the protesters' lives. The Kerala Police staff organisations have occasionally been criticised for functioning like trade unions within a disciplined force. However, supporters argue that they help address the service grievances and welfare of police personnel. However, supporters contend that these organisations serve as representative bodies to address service grievances and welfare issues of police personnel. Currently, the Kerala Police Association, Kerala Police Officers Association, and Kerala Police Senior Officers Association function as the staff organisations representing different ranks in the Kerala Police. Police brutality • Nedumkandam Custodial Death (2019) Rajkumar, a 49-year-old financial agent, died in custody after being allegedly tortured over four days by Idukki police. The incident led to arrests of police officers and judicial inquiry. • Varapuzha Custodial Death (2018) In April 2018, 29-year-old Sreejith died allegedly due to police torture in custody at Varapuzha Police Station. He had reportedly been assaulted by officers in plain clothes before being taken into custody.The then District Police Chief (Ernakulam Rural) was also suspended after an initial transfer, but later reinstated. Seven police personnel were suspended, and an unofficial squad called the "Rural Tiger Force"—involved in the incident—was disbanded. All officers were reinstated after eight months based on the SIT report stating that their reinstatement would not affect the investigation. • Tanur custodial death case: A man arrested in a drug case at Tanur, Malappuram died in police custody. Police initially claimed he had swallowed a packet containing drugs. The case was first investigated by the State Crime Branch, but after a High Court plea by the family, it was transferred to the CBI, which later arrested four Kerala Police personnel from an unofficial squad. == See also ==