A Study on Role and Responsibilities of Tamil Nadu Police in Maraimalainagar, ChengalPattu District

A Study on Role and Responsibilities of Tamil Nadu Police in Maraimalainagar, ChengalPattu District

Dr. K. Pushpam, Post Doctorate¹; Ashvanth.R²

¹Assistant Professor in Sociology, SRM School of Law, Srm Institute of Science & Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District

²Srm School of Law, Srm Institute of Science & Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District., Tamil Nadu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.12040059

Received: 23 March 2025; Revised: 01 April 2025; Accepted: 05 April 2025; Published: 08 May 2025

ABSTRACT

Tamil Nadu Police, a vital force in maintaining law and order and also plays a multifaceted role in safeguarding the state’s citizens. This study delves into the core responsibilities of this esteemed organization, encompassing law enforcement, crime prevention and community engagement. It explores the challenges faced by police officers, including increasing crime rates, evolving criminal tactics, and societal pressures. The study also highlights the innovative strategies implemented by the Tamil Nadu Police to address these challenges, such as community policing examining the various dimensions of the Tamil Nadu Police’s role and responsibilities, this research aims to shed light on their critical contribution to the state’s security and development in the study area.

Keywords: Tamil Nadu Police, Law Enforcement, Crime prevention, Community engagement, Societal pressures, Community, Security, Development.

INTRODUCTION

In the field of law enforcement and public service, the role and responsibilities of the Tamil Nadu Police stand as a cornerstone of the state’s security and well-being. This study delves into the multifaceted functions performed by the Police of Maraimalai Nagar, Chengalpattu district encompassing law enforcement, crime prevention, community engagement.

Statement of the problem

Ultimately, researcher specify the reasons for choosing this topic is interests and goals in Civil services and the department. However, the above reasons provide a general framework for understanding why I might be interested in the role and responsibilities of the Tamil Nadu Police. Researcher has connection to Tamil Nadu police department, as both Residing with a family member who is a police official and being a son of a Police Inspector have kept me involved in the bureaucratic departments since childhood. Study area have been interested in law enforcement and criminal justice, and researcher thought the Tamil Nadu Police would be a fascinating case study. Researcher have been passionate about the community safety and the role of police in maintaining law and order. So, this present study describes the law and order, safeguard securities, traffic rules and regulations and community involvement and needs.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of the Tamil Nadu Police are:

1. To study on law and order bring peace and maintenance, detect crime and justice in the study area
2. To know safeguard and security to vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and the elderly from emergencies and disasters.
3. To enforce traffic rules and regulations, prevent accidents and minimise traffic congestion and ensure smooth flow.
4. To involve the community in crime prevention and law enforcement and address community concerns and needs.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The Tamil Nadu Police, a crucial force in maintaining law and order, plays a multifaceted role in safeguarding the state’s citizens. This study delves into the core Responsibilities of this esteemed organization, encompassing law enforcement, crime prevention and community engagement. It also explores the challenges faced by police officers including increasing crime rates, societal and family pressures. The study also highlights the innovative strategies implemented by the Tamil Nadu Police to address these challenges, such as community policing. Examining the various dimensions of the Tamil Nadu Police’s role and Responsibilities This study aims to reveal their critical contributions to the state’s security and development.

Study area and Sample of the study

The sample of the study is from the Tamil Nadu police officers and the citizens of Maraimalai Nagar, Chengalpattu district.

Data of the Police station:

Inspector-1, Sub-Inspector-2, Special sub-Inspector- 8, Head constable-5, Grade-I Police constable -5, Grade-II Police constable- 4, Writer or Receptionist-2, Computer Operator-2

Sources of data: Primary sources

Interviews: Conducting interviews with:

1. Police Officers: Researcher Interviewed officers of various ranks to gain insights into their daily duties, challenges, and perspectives on policing.
2. Citizens: Researcher Interviewed citizens from different backgrounds to understand their perceptions of police effectiveness, community relations, and any issues they may have faced.
3. Observation: Researcher observed police activities in various settings, such as patrol duties, traffic control, and community policing initiatives, to gain first hand and insights into their work.

 Secondary Sources:

1. Tamil Nadu police website: Official website for news, announcements and reports to refer from.
2. Ministry of home affairs, Government of India: The availability of National-level data on crime, policing and internal security, can also be easily accessed by citizens through the internet.
3. Bureau of Police Research and development (BPR&D): Research reports and studies on Indian policing and the police department.

Academic Journals:

1. Indian Journal of criminology
2. Journal of policing

Research papers and dissertations:

1. Newspapers
2. News websites
3. Think tanks and NGOs
4. News channels

Scope:

The scope of this research will be focused on the core functions and duties of the Tamil Nadu Police, including:

1. Law Enforcement: Investigation of crimes, arrest of suspects, and prosecution of offenders.
2. Maintenance of Law and Order: Prevention of crime, riot control, and crowd management.
3. Community Policing: Building relationships with the community, addressing local concerns, and implementing community-oriented policing strategies.

Limitations:

While this research aims to provides a comprehensive overview, certain limitations arose:

1. Data Accessibility: Researcher has Limited access to internal police data and records could constrain the depth of analysis.
2. Time Constraints: Time limitations restricted the extent of fieldwork and data collection; it was a very difficult task.
3. Regional Variations: Policing practices vary across different regions within Tamil Nadu, making it challenging to generalise findings.
4. Evolving Nature of Policing: The rapid evolution of technology and societal changes had an impact on police roles and responsibilities, necessitating continuous updates.
5. Ethical Considerations: Ethical guidelines and privacy concerns limited the depth of certain inquiries, particularly when dealing with sensitive issues like police misconduct or corruption.
6. By acknowledging these limitations, the research was more focused and realistic in its approach, ensuring that the findings are accurate and relevant to the specific context of the Tamil Nadu Police.

Data analysis and Interpretation

The study focuses on the Tamil Nadu Police in the Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu specifically in the town of Maraimalai Nagar. It explores the complex roles and responsibilities of the police department thus examining their duties in law enforcement, prevention of crime. The data provided consists of the Number of police personnel per police station, Types of cases police officers encounter during their service and also the comparative statement of offences in Maraimalai Nagar police station for the past 10 years (Up to 30.11.22).

Duties of Police officials:

Police officials have a range of duties, both ethical and legal:

1. Attentiveness: Being attentive with involvement as a police officer is crucial for effective law enforcement. It involves actively observing surroundings, listening intently to individuals and quickly assessing situations.
2. Informing concerned people: informing concerned family members of the accused or the victim’s family during procedures or taking actions.
3. Truthfulness and Honesty: Being truthful, honest, being friendly and approaching the people and the community in a good manner.
4. Compassion and Empathy: Treating Informants or petitioners with compassion, understanding and respect.
5. Professionalism: Adhering to professional standards and codes of conduct.
6. Avoiding Errors in line of duty: Taking reasonable steps to avoid errors and harm.

Work problems faced by police officers:

Tamil Nadu police officers face a myriad of challenges that impact their work-life balance and overall well-being. One of the most significant issues is the demanding nature of their work, often requiring them to work long hours, including nights and weekends continuously without proper sleep cycle and food intake. This irregular work schedule disrupts their personal lives, making it difficult to spend quality time with family and friends.

Another major challenge is the constant exposure to stress and trauma. Police officers are frequently confronted with distressing situations, such as accidents, crimes, and violence. This often leads to psychological stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lack of adequate mental health support could further exacerbate these issues.

Furthermore, police officers often face public scrutiny and criticism, even when they are performing their duties diligently. Negative public perception takes a toll on their morale and motivation. Additionally, political interference and bureaucratic hurdles frequently hinder their efforts to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

The physical demands of the job, including long hours of standing, patrolling, and responding to emergencies, leads to physical ailments such as back pain, joint pain, and fatigue. Moreover, the risk of injury or even death is always present while on duty hours, adding to the stress and anxiety experienced by police officers.

Lastly, the low pay and lack of job security are demoralising for many police officers. This led to corruption and a decline in work ethic. To address these challenges.

Solutions to these Problems at work:

it is crucial to provide police officers with adequate training, support, and resources. This includes mental health counselling, physical fitness programs, and fair compensation. Additionally, efforts should be made to improve public perception of the police and reduce political interference. By addressing these issues, we can help ensure that Tamil Nadu police officers are able to perform their duties effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Family problems faced by police officers:

Tamil Nadu police officers often face significant family challenges due to the demanding nature of their work. Long and irregular work hours, including night shifts and holidays, limit their time and bond with family. This leads to strained relationships, as they are unable to attend important family events, birthdays, or anniversaries. The constant stress and anxiety associated with the job also impact their interactions with family members, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.

The physical and emotional toll of the job further exacerbate family problems. Fatigue, stress, and burnout can make it difficult for officers to be patient and understanding with their loved ones. The risk of injury or death inherent in police work creates a constant fear among family members, leading to anxiety and worry.

Moreover, the social stigma associated with police work can also impact family life. Negative public perception and discrimination can affect the social and emotional well-being of police officers and their families. The constant scrutiny and pressure can strain relationships with friends and extended family.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to provide police officers with adequate support and resources. This includes flexible work schedules, mental health counselling, and family counselling services. By prioritising the well-being of police officers and their families, we can help them overcome the challenges they face and maintain healthy relationships.

Transfer in police department and its problems:

Tamil Nadu police officers often face frequent transfers, which significantly disrupt their personal and professional lives. These transfers can be sudden and unexpected, making it difficult for officers to plan their families’ education, healthcare, and social lives. Frequent relocation also sometimes strains relationships with family and friends, as they are forced to uproot their lives and move to new places.

In cases of Voluntary transfer to another station of an officer’s Will or situations the process are as follows:

1. Eligibility to voluntarily transfer includes the officer serving the existing station for about 3-6 months.
2. Any of the local station worked upto 6 months.
3. A formal request letter for transfer of station is Written or typed by the Officer then the Officer Reports to the SP office to meet the Higher Authority (SP) to meet them personally for Requesting a change in stations Due to the Personal reasons The Authority then accepts the request letter and acts accordingly to the Procedures to change the Police officer as per their willingness.

In case of Transfer from the Department’ Side: The procedures differ from voluntary transfer

1. A Willingness petition is issued by the superintendent of police (SP) in the DPO (District programme office) or at the SP office.
2. When officers have influence or any other means They get transferred to their desired stations.
3. If officers don’t have influence, they are Not given their desired or mentioned stations.

Moreover, frequent transfers can hinder the development of strong relationships with local communities. Building trust and rapport with the public is essential for effective policing, but frequent transfers often hinder this process. Additionally, transferring experienced officers can disrupt ongoing investigations and compromise the quality of police work. This can possibly lead to a decline in public safety and an increase in crime rates.

Types of cases faced by police officers:

Tamil Nadu police officers in the law-and-order wing encounter a diverse range of cases, these include:

1. Murder (Culpable homicide, for gain, etc).
2. Robbery-1 to 4 members (house, street, etc).
3. Dacoity-4 and above (Urban, local).
4. Accidents (hit and run, drunk driving, heavy vehicles, speeding, etc).
5. House breaking
6. Assault
7. Missing person or kidnap, kidnapping for ransom.
8. Rape
9. Sexual harassment
10. Prohibition cases (illegal sales and transportation of alcohol, tobacco, etc).
11. Riot
12. Protection of civil rights (SC, ST).
13. Property Theft
14. Land disputes

Routine of the officials:

1. Roll Call: Officers report to their respective stations and attend roll call, where they receive instructions and assignments for the day.
2. Patrol Duty: Officers may be assigned to patrol specific areas on foot, motorcycle, or in a police vehicle. This involves monitoring traffic, responding to calls, and maintaining a visible police presence. Involves prevention of public nuisance, vehicle check, etc.
3. Station Duty: Officers are assigned to station duty, where they handle paperwork, file reports, and interact with the public. This may involve taking complaints, registering FIRs, and providing information to the public. Officers may continue with station duties, such as handling night complaints and responding to emergency calls.
4. Night Rounds: Similar to the morning shift, officers may be assigned to night patrol duties, focusing on crime prevention and responding to emergencies. It involves giving instructions to the night beat officers and at the same time receiving instructions from superior Authorities. The police officers after receiving instructions they start their rounds by checking all the roadside shops for suspicious activity and people, then the Passerby public are asked to show identification proof and are tested for drunk driving, The police move accordingly focussing Remote areas and Suspicious Activities like lock breaking, theft, theft etc.

Punishments and their consequences:

Tamil Nadu police officers could potentially face various punishments depending on the severity of their misconduct. These can include:

Minor Punishments:

1. Fine not exceeding one month’s pay.
2. Confinement to quarters for up to 15 days.
3. Delayed promotion

Major Punishments:

1. Dismissal from service.
2. Reduction in rank.
3. Withholding of increments or promotions.
4. Other Disciplinary Actions:
5. Transfer to a less desirable posting.

Deferred censure- It is a situation where A six-month punishment period is given and if the officer receiving this punishment has already serving a punishment sentence this six-month punishment period will be cancelled.

The Punishments- 3(a), 3(b)

Rules 3(a) and 3(b) of the Tamil Nadu Police Subordinate Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1955, outline specific grounds for disciplinary action against police officers.

Rule 3(a): pertains to misconduct that is not specifically mentioned in other rules but is considered detrimental to the discipline and efficiency of the police service. This can include a wide range of behaviours, such as:

1. Neglect of duty: Failure to perform assigned duties or responsibilities.
2. Insubordination: Disobeying lawful orders from superiors.
3. Discourteous or improper behaviour: Treating colleagues or members of the public with disrespect.
4. Misuse of official position: Using one’s position for personal gain or advantage.

Rule 3(b): covers more serious offences, such as:

1. Criminal offences: Committing crimes, including corruption, extortion, or assault.
2. Moral turpitude: Engaging in immoral or dishonest conduct.
3. Habitual inefficiency: Consistently failing to perform duties to a satisfactory standard.
4. Bringing disrepute to the police service: Engaging in conduct that reflects negatively on the reputation of the police force.

The specific punishment for violating Rules 3(a) or 3(b) will depend on the severity of the misconduct and the circumstances of the case. Possible punishments can range from minor penalties, such as a fine or reprimand, to major penalties, such as dismissal from service.

These punishments are typically determined by a departmental inquiry conducted by the police department. The inquiry officer investigates the allegations against the officer and recommends a punishment based on the findings.

Procedure to file a case:

The police station at the entrance has a receptionist table where they can attend the petitioners and send them inside taking an entry then the SSI or the attending officer enquires about the situation or Issues the Affected party are Investigated regarding the matter and asked to provide necessary information like personal details, etc.

The Public should write a written complaint formally filled with the concerned details and parties involved, then They are to sign the complaint letter and submit to the investigation officer. After the complaint is registered the Fir (First information Report) are Issued.

FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

1. This study finds out to be Law Enforcement Procedures related to Investigation of crimes, collection of evidence and preparation, Prosecution. Ensuring public safety, etc.
2. The present study reveals that Community police Building strong relationships with the community.
3. The present research identifies Understaffing and over burdening The Tamil Nadu police often faces a shortage of personnel leading to increased workload and stress.
4. This research represents that Social and political pressure with involvement of Political interference and societal pressures can sometimes compromise the impartiality of the police.
5. The present study explored that Cybercrime Investigation like hacking, online fraud, and data theft and collaborate with cybercrime experts and international agencies.
6. It concludes that Counter-Terrorism that needs to Monitor and prevent and Coordinate with intelligence agencies and other security forces.
7. The present study reflect that Operate specialised units like the Special Task Force (STF), Quick Response Team (QRT), and Anti-Narcotics Cell.

Diverse Roles and Responsibilities: Tamil Nadu Police is tasked with a wide range of duties, including law enforcement, maintenance of law and order, protection of citizens, traffic regulation, community policing, cybercrime investigation, counter-terrorism, and specialised operations.

Challenges and Stressors: Police officers face significant challenges, including administrative and operational stressors, exposure to traumatic events, and the pressure to maintain law and order in a complex society.

Impact of Stress and Burnout: Prolonged exposure to stress leads to burnout, affecting officers’ mental and physical health, and ultimately impacting their performance.

Need for Modernisation and Reform: The police force requires modernisation to effectively address evolving crime trends, including cybercrime and terrorism. Reforms are needed to improve accountability, transparency, and community relations.

Importance of Community Policing: Building strong relationships with the community is crucial for effective policing. Community engagement can help prevent crime, solve problems, and enhance public trust.

Additional Information:

1. Resource Constraints: Inadequate funding and manpower hinder the police force’s ability to perform its duties effectively.
2. Corruption and Accountability: Instances of corruption ultimately erode public trust and undermine the credibility of the police.
3. Human Rights Concerns: Issues related to police brutality and excessive use of force ultimately damages the police’s reputation.

Emerging Ethical Challenges:

Tamil Nadu Police, like any other police force, faces multiple number of ethical challenges. Here are some of the key ethical challenges they face:

1. Corruption: This is a widespread problem in many police forces, including Tamil Nadu Police. Corruption manifests in various forms, such as bribery, extortion, and misuse of power.
2. Human Rights Violations: This includes issues such as custodial torture, extrajudicial killings, and discrimination.
3. Lack of Accountability: There is a lack of accountability for police misconduct, which obviously lead to impunity and further human rights violations.
4. Political Interference: Political interference in police investigations and operations often lead to biased and unfair investigations.
5. Use of Force: The use of excessive force by police officers is a serious ethical concern.
6. Bias and Discrimination: Police officers may exhibit bias or discrimination against certain groups, such as minorities or marginalised communities.

These ethical challenges have had a significant impact on the public’s trust in the police and can lead to social unrest and instability. To address these challenges, it is important to implement reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within the police force which will ensure the good opinion among citizens about their view about police officers.

CONCLUSION

The Tamil Nadu police, has a vital institution in maintaining law and order, play a crucial role in safeguarding public safety in upholding justice. While the force has made significant strides in recent year, it continues to grapple with various challenges, including corruption, human rights violations, lack of accountability.

To Address this issue and enhance public trust, it is imperative to implement comprehensive reform. This reform should focus on improving transparency, accountability, Ethical conduct within the police force. Additionally, investing in training and technology can equip officer with the necessary skill to effectively handle complex crime scenarios.

By fostering strong community relationship and adapting modern policing strategies, the Tamil Nadu police can strive to become more efficient, just, Citizen-centric organisation. Ultimately, the success of the police force depends on its ability to balance law enforcement with respect for human rights and democratic values.

REFERENCES

1. Indian Police Journal (IPJ)
2. Police Practice and Research an International Journal
3. International journal of Police science and Management
4. Policing: An International Journal is an international
5. International Journal of Police Science