Police Ranks in Maharashtra: A Comprehensive Guide

The police force plays a vital role in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and upholding justice in any state or region. Maharashtra, one of India's largest and most populous states, boasts a well-structured police force with various ranks and responsibilities. In this blog, we'll explore the hierarchy of police ranks in Maharashtra, providing insights into their roles and responsibilities.

Introduction to Maharashtra Police

The Maharashtra Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining peace and order across the state. It operates under the purview of the Home Department of the Government of Maharashtra and is led by a Director General of Police (DGP). The force is organized into various units, each headed by officers with specific ranks and responsibilities.

Senior Ranks

1. Director General of Police (DGP)

The highest-ranking officer in the Maharashtra Police, the DGP, is responsible for the overall administration and management of the police force in the state. This role involves setting policies, coordinating operations, and advising the government on matters related to law and order. This post is also called as पोलीस आयुक्त or Police Mahasanchalak पोलीस महासंचालक. Director General of Police has 1 Ashoka - National Emblem and sword near shoulder on the uniform and also the word IPS is written. Rajnish Seth is the DGP of Maharashtra as in September 2023.

2. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) / Commissioner of Police

The ADGP assists the DGP in overseeing various departments and divisions within the police force. They may also be assigned specialized portfolios, such as traffic, law and order, or intelligence. Additional Director General of Police has 1 Ashoka -National Emblem and sword near shoulder on the uniform and also the word IPS is written.

3. Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Special IGP / Additional Commissioner of Police

IGPs are responsible for managing police ranges or zones within the state. They play a crucial role in maintaining law and order and ensuring efficient policing within their respective areas. This post is also called as पोलीस महानिरीक्षक in Marathi. Inspector General of Police has 1 star and sword near shoulder on the uniform and also the word IPS is written.

Middle Ranks

You need to crack UPSC civil services exam to get middle rank post.

4. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) / Additional Commissioner of Police

DIGPs assist IGPs in overseeing specific districts or divisions within a range. They are responsible for implementing policies and directives from higher authorities, as well as managing and supervising police operations. Deputy Inspector General of Police have 1 Ashoka -National Emblem and 3 stars near shoulder on the uniform and also the word IPS is written.

5. Superintendent of Police (SP) / Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police

SPs head districts or sub-divisions and are responsible for the day-to-day administration and law enforcement in their respective areas. They play a crucial role in maintaining peace and order at the grassroots level. This post is also called as पोलीस अधिक्षक in Marathi. Superintendent of Police has 1 Ashoka - National Emblem and 1 star near shoulder on the uniform and also the word IPS is written.

6. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) and DCP

ASPs assist SPs in their duties and may also handle specialized tasks, investigations, or units. Assistant Superintendent of Police has 1 Ashoka -National Emblem near shoulder on the uniform and also the word IPS is written.

7. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)

ASPs assist SPs in their duties and may also handle specialized tasks, investigations, or units. Assistant Superintendent of Police has 3 stars near shoulder on the uniform and also the word IPS is written.

Junior Ranks

8. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) and ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police)

DySPs are responsible for various police stations and units. They play a vital role in supervising subordinates, investigating cases, and ensuring the efficient functioning of their assigned areas. Deputy Superintendent of Police has 3 stars near shoulder on the uniform. You need to crack MPSC state services exam to get the post of DySP. Santosh Khade is one of the famous DySP who joined Maharashtra Police in 2023.

9. Police Inspector (PI)

Police Inspectors lead police stations and are responsible for handling criminal cases, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the safety of citizens within their jurisdictions. This post is also called as Police nirakshak - पोलीस निरीक्षक in Marathi. Police Inspector has 3 stars and 2 orange and brown stripes near the shoulder on the uniform.

10. Assistant Police Inspector (API)

APIs often assist PSIs and perform tasks as assigned by higher-ranking officers. They may also lead smaller police units or teams. This post is also called as Sahayyak Police nirakshak - सहाय्यक पोलीस निरीक्षक in Marathi. Assistant Police Inspector has 3 stars and 1 red stripe near the shoulder on the uniform.

11. Police Sub-Inspector (PSI)

PSIs assist PIs in managing police stations and may lead specific police teams or units. They are responsible for various policing functions, including investigations. This post is also called as Police Upnirakshak - पोलीस उपनिरीक्षक in Marathi. Police Sub-Inspector has 2 stars and 2 organge and brown stripes near the shoulder on the uniform. You need to crack combined group B and C exam of MPSC to get the post of PSI. Sunil Jadhav and Navnath Jadhav are 2 PSIs from Karhati, Maharashtra.

12. Assistant Police Sub-Inspector (ASI)

ASIs assist PSIs in managing police stations and may lead specific police teams or units. They are responsible for various policing functions, including investigations. This post is also called as Sahayyak Police Upnirakshak - सहाय्यक पोलीस उपनिरीक्षक in Marathi. Assistant Police Sub-Inspector has 1 star and 2 organge and brown stripes near the shoulder on the uniform.

Constabulary

13. Head Constable

Head Constables often hold supervisory roles within police stations and are responsible for overseeing constables and their day-to-day activities. This post is also called as Havaldar in Marathi. Head contables has 3 white stripes on black background near the shoulder on the uniform.

14. Police Naik (P.N.)

Police Naik are the backbone of the police force. They perform a wide range of duties, including patrolling, maintaining traffic, and assisting in investigations. This post is also called as Naik in Marathi. Police Naik has 2 white stripes on black background near the shoulder on the uniform.

15. Police Constable (P.C.)

Police Constables are the backbone of the police force. They perform a wide range of duties, including patrolling, maintaining traffic, and assisting in investigations. This post is also called as Shipai in Marathi. They do not have any stripe near the shoulder on the uniform.