Career in Police, Law Enforcement and Investigative Services

It is unfortunate that civilized society as we call society today is creating more uncivilized or bad elements in society than ever before. Whatever may be the reason behind it- unemployment, lust to get more in less time, cutthroat competition, or any other- it is the fact that society all through the world is facing more anti-social activities than at any other time in the past. These activities are increasing with every passing day and if not curbed now will become a deep-rooted incurable disease forever. Knowing these facts governments of the respective countries are in need of trained, young people who could be inducted into Law enforcement and police services thereby increasing the scope of young energetic youths in making their career in the Police/Law enforcement services. To bring to book antisocial elements within society without harming anybody’s freedom government has set up many Police, law enforcement, and investigative services to handle various kinds of antisocial activities with utmost effectiveness and professionalism. An overview of some of them is given here below with the career prospects for the younger generation. Some of the important Police and Law enforcement agencies of India are:-

Intelligence agencies in India:-

1. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
2. National Investigation Agency (NIA)
3. Intelligence Bureau (IB)  and
4. Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)   

Police Services in India:- 

1. Indian Police Services (IPS)
2. State Police Service (SPS)
3. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

Other law Enforcement Departments

1. Excise and Taxation
2. Customs
3. Central Vigilance Commission etc.

Young aspirants can join any of these services in various capacities like CBI Officers who use their intelligence to protect the nation from threats of antisocial elements and to bring to justice those who violate the law, with the help of support personnel like intelligence analysts, language specialists, scientists, information technology specialists, and other professionals to carry out their mission. These officers can join any of the specialized departments of CBI like Anti Corruption Division which deals with cases of corruption and fraud committed by public servants of all Central Govt. Departments, Central Public Sector Undertakings, and Central Financial Institutions. Economic Crimes Division deals with cases including bank frauds, financial frauds, Import Export & Foreign Exchange violations, large-scale smuggling of narcotics, antiques, cultural property, and smuggling of other contraband items, etc. Special Crimes Division deals with cases of terrorism, bomb blasts, sensational homicides, kidnapping for ransom, and crimes committed by the mafia/the underworld.

Like CBI officers the Officers of IB are responsible to garner intelligence from within India and also execute counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism tasks (Intelligence Bureau) whereas the duty of the officers of another intelligence agency RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) is to collect external intelligence, counter-terrorism, and covert operations. In addition, it is responsible for obtaining and analyzing information about foreign governments, corporations, and persons, in order to advise Indian foreign policymakers. The information collected by RAW is also used by several investigating organizations in the country such as the CBI.

Higher-level officers in these special services are recruited from amongst the IPS officers of extraordinary caliber and officers of some lower ranks are also recruited by direct recruitment by these agencies.

Police Officers at all levels in the police hierarchy in state and central police services work in partnership with the public to reduce crime and enforce Central, state, and local laws. Increased crime and a more security-conscious society are contributing to the rising demand for police services while generous salaries and benefits are attracting more people to the profession. In police organizations, police officials can work as Detectives (CID Officers). Their main role is to investigate serious crimes and to act upon intelligence, which can lead to the arrest and prosecution of persistent offenders. Dog Handlers go through a rigorous evaluation procedure and receive intensive training once selected for this role. Trained dogs are then used to search for explosives, weapons, and drugs. Also, they search for missing, lost, or injured people, protect people, and rack and detain the offenders. These officers are trained to know how to care for the dog, have teamwork, self-confidence, and interest in working with dogs, and must have very good communication skills. The job of a Dog Handler in the police is very much required and vacancies for this are regularly updated. A career in police as Firearms Experts (Sharp Shooter) is also becoming very demanding and the officer has to risk his or her life while saving the others. Economic Offence Experts deals with company business fraud, major deceptions, and corruption allegations, and also provides assistance and guidance for area detectives on various matters pertaining to fraud investigation. Special Investigating Officer's jobs exist primarily to acquire intelligence for the protection of national security, in particular protection against terrorism, espionage, sabotage, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and from actions intended to overthrow democracy by political, industrial, or violent means. With the mounting population and too many vehicles on the road, the proper management of traffic is getting important. Traffic Police Officials keep a constant vigil over this. They ensure road safety by enforcing traffic laws, including those relating to speeding and drunk driving.

Some of the designations of Gazetted and Non-gazetted Police officials according to their hierarchy are:-

Gazetted Police Officers

1. Commissioner of Police
2. Special Commissioner of Police
3. Joint Commissioner of Police
4. Additional Commissioner of Police
5. Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police
6. Assistant Commissioner of Police
7. Deputy Commissioner of Police              

Non-Gazetted Police Officers

1. Inspector of Police
2. Sub-Inspector of Police
3. Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police
4. Senior Police Constable
5. Police Constable
6. Police Head Constable     

Forensic scientists use cutting-edge scientific techniques to preserve and examine evidence and develop investigative leads in connection with civil and criminal proceedings. Often, forensic analysts specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination. As developments in technology increase the role of forensic science in the courtroom, the demand for forensic scientists will continue to grow.

Customs and Excise Officers work for the Customs/Excise department with a prior mission of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the Country. Customs Officers are also responsible for smooth international/Interstate trade, collecting import/Excise duties, and enforcing Indian/State trade laws. These officers control and protect the nation’s borders and are being actively recruited for a number of openings in many locations around and inside the country.

A career in these services really needs strong self-discipline, physical fitness, and self-control during difficult situations. Growing concerns over the quality of life especially with crime increased government revenues in a strong global economy, and a shortage of qualified candidates have contributed to a demand for police jobs in India and other law enforcement candidates throughout the world. A more security-conscious society and growing concern about drug-related crimes, also contribute to the increasing demand for police jobs in India and across the world. This has opened a floodgate of opportunities for the Indian young turks, who look forward to a successful career as Police Officers in various law enforcement and allied services, Young and budding aspirants without any constraint of sex can join these powerful jobs by clearing various eligibility test taken by various state and central government’s recruitment agencies like. UPSC, State Police Services, SSC graduate, and Clerical level exam. etc to name a few of them.