Commissionerate Police-Bhubaneswar to undergo major structural overhaul!

In a move aimed at increasing efficiency, the law and order division of the Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar will be separated from its crime control division. The city will be divided into East and West urban police districts, each overseen by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to enhance administrative effectiveness, sources said on Sunday.

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The restructuring is intended to bolster both law enforcement and crime control measures.

Structural overhaul plan in nutshell

A proposal submitted to the Director General of Police (DGP) underscores the necessity for reorganisation due to the city's growing population which has surged to over 27 lakh in 2024, up from more than 12 lakh when the Commissionerate was established in 2008.

The number of police stations has increased to 29, with additional traffic police stations introduced to manage the vehicle influx.

The surge in annual criminal cases, from 4,566 to 13,411, highlights the need for focused attention on crime and law enforcement. The separation of these divisions is anticipated to provide more specialised public safety and effective crime control.

The State Capital's expansion, marked by the rise of important institutions, hospitals, and industries, has led to increased daily foot traffic and heightened security requirements. The demand for VIP security has also substantially escalated due to the growing number of individuals under security cover since 2008.

The government has recognised the need for improved infrastructure and manpower, with plans to implement the proposal as resources become available. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasised the significance of these developments at the recent opening of the Nayapalli Police Station's new building.

Although previous attempts faced challenges due to resource limitations, the proposal is gaining momentum under the current government's focus on enhancing human resources and facilities.

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“Law & order and crime control divisions have been separated in several big cities, where population has increased, crime rate has increased, and the number of VIP visitors has increased,” former senior cop Batakrushna Tripathy said to OTV.