Pankajnath Tiwari :-
The history of Bihar Police dates back to the colonial era. Here’s an overview of the key milestones in the history of Bihar Police:
Pre-Independence Era: Bihar was a part of the British Indian province of Bengal until 1912 when it was separated and became a separate province. The policing system in Bihar was established during this period under the British administration.
Formation of Bihar Police: After India gained independence in 1947, Bihar became a separate state. In 1952, the Bihar Police Act was enacted, leading to the formation of the Bihar Police as a separate law enforcement agency.
Bihar Military Police (BMP): The Bihar Military Police was established in 1946 as a special force within the Bihar Police. It was primarily responsible for maintaining law and order during critical situations and was later renamed as Bihar Military Police (BMP). BMP units are still an integral part of the Bihar Police.
Bihar Police Academy: The Bihar Police Academy, also known as Bihar Police Training Center, was established in 1958. It is located in Rajgir, Nalanda district, and serves as a premier institution for the training of police personnel in the state.
Reorganization: Over the years, Bihar Police underwent various reorganizations to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. This included the creation of specialized units such as the Special Task Force (STF) and the Economic Offenses Unit (EOU) to tackle specific types of crimes.
Modernization Efforts: In recent years, Bihar Police has focused on modernization and technological advancements. It has adopted various measures such as the implementation of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) to improve information sharing and coordination among police stations.
Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission: The Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission (BPSSC) was established in 2016 to conduct recruitment examinations for various posts within the Bihar Police, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process.
Notable Events: Bihar Police has been involved in several notable events throughout its history. One such event is the infamous Bhagalpur blindings that occurred in 1979-1980. During this period, over 30 individuals were blinded by the police, leading to a significant outcry and subsequent investigations.
Bihar Police Women’s Association: The Bihar Police Women’s Association (BPWA) was established in 1986 to address the specific needs and concerns of female police officers. It works towards the welfare and empowerment of women in the police force.
Role in Counterinsurgency: Bihar Police has played a significant role in counterinsurgency operations in the state. It has been involved in combating various extremist groups, including the Maoists, who have a presence in certain regions of Bihar.
Collaboration with Central Agencies: Bihar Police often collaborates with various central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and others for joint operations and investigations.
Community Policing Initiatives: Bihar Police has implemented several community policing initiatives to foster better relations between the police and the public. These initiatives aim to build trust, promote cooperation, and address the concerns of the community.
Police Reforms: Like many police forces across India, Bihar Police has also been subject to discussions on police reforms. Efforts have been made to enhance professionalism, improve accountability, and strengthen the legal framework governing the police force.
Recognition and Awards: Over the years, several police officers from Bihar Police have been recognized and awarded for their exemplary service and bravery. These awards include the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and others.
Bihar Military Police Specialized Units: Bihar Military Police, an integral part of Bihar Police, comprises specialized units such as the Bihar Military Police-1 (BMP-1), Bihar Military Police-2 (BMP-2), and Bihar Military Police-3 (BMP-3). These units are deployed for various duties, including law and order maintenance, VIP security, and disaster management.
Bihar Police Radio Telecommunication: Bihar Police Radio Telecommunication (BPR&T) is a specialized unit within the Bihar Police responsible for maintaining and operating the communication network of the police force. It ensures efficient communication among various police units and enables swift response to emergencies.
Specialized Units: Bihar Police has established several specialized units to deal with specific types of crimes and maintain security. These units include the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Cyber Crime Unit, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, and Anti-Narcotics Unit, among others.
Women Empowerment: Bihar Police has taken initiatives to promote the participation of women in the police force. The recruitment of female police personnel has increased over the years, and efforts have been made to assign women officers to key positions and sensitive duties.
Training and Capacity Building: Bihar Police emphasizes training and capacity building to enhance the skills and knowledge of its personnel. Training programs are conducted regularly to equip the police force with the latest techniques, investigative methods, and legal procedures.
Social Media Presence: Bihar Police has recognized the importance of social media in engaging with the public and spreading awareness. It maintains active social media accounts to provide updates, safety advisories, and interact with the citizens.
Welfare Programs: Bihar Police has various welfare programs for its personnel, including provisions for healthcare, housing, education, and financial assistance for the families of police officers in case of disability or death in the line of duty.
Police-Public Partnership: Bihar Police encourages active participation and cooperation from the public in maintaining law and order. Programs like the Police Mitra and the Police Shiksha Samiti involve citizens and educational institutions in creating a safer environment.
Sports and Cultural Activities: Bihar Police promotes sports and cultural activities within its ranks to foster team spirit, physical fitness, and overall well-being. It organizes sports tournaments, cultural events, and talent competitions for the personnel and their families.
Modernization of Infrastructure: Efforts have been made to modernize the infrastructure of Bihar Police, including the establishment of well-equipped police stations, forensic laboratories, and surveillance systems. This facilitates efficient crime investigation and better service delivery.
International Cooperation: Bihar Police collaborates with law enforcement agencies from other countries on matters of mutual interest, such as sharing intelligence, combating transnational crimes, and exchanging best practices.
Bihar Police Assistance to Other States: Bihar Police has been actively involved in providing assistance to other states in times of crisis or special operations. They have deployed personnel to aid in maintaining law and order, conducting investigations, and ensuring security during events like elections and festivals.
Police-Community Engagement Programs: Bihar Police has implemented various community engagement programs to bridge the gap between the police and the public. These initiatives include neighborhood watch programs, community policing meetings, awareness campaigns, and outreach programs aimed at building trust and cooperation.
Anti-Trafficking Efforts: Bihar Police has taken significant steps to combat human trafficking in the state. Specialized units, such as the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, have been established to investigate and prevent trafficking activities, rescue victims, and prosecute offenders.
Disaster Management: Bihar Police plays a crucial role in disaster management and response. They work in coordination with other agencies during natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones to ensure the safety and security of the affected population.
Traffic Management: Bihar Police is responsible for traffic management and enforcement of road safety rules. They regulate traffic flow, conduct awareness campaigns, and take action against traffic violations to ensure safer road conditions.
Intelligence Gathering: Bihar Police maintains an intelligence network to gather information on criminal activities, organized crime syndicates, and potential security threats. This information is used to prevent crimes, initiate investigations, and ensure the safety of the public.
Women’s Helpline: Bihar Police has established women’s helpline numbers to provide immediate assistance and support to women in distress. These helplines offer counseling, rescue services, and help in registering complaints related to crimes against women.
Police-public interface: Bihar Police has introduced online platforms and mobile applications to enhance the police-public interface. These platforms enable citizens to report crimes, seek information, and provide feedback, making the police more accessible and responsive to the community’s needs.
Training Exchange Programs: Bihar Police participates in training exchange programs with police forces from other states and countries. This enables the sharing of best practices, expertise, and exposure to new techniques in policing.
Anti-Corruption Measures: Bihar Police has taken steps to curb corruption within its ranks. Measures such as the establishment of vigilance units, the implementation of strict disciplinary actions, and the promotion of transparency have been undertaken to maintain integrity and public trust.
