Tribal youths of OAPF to be posted as regular cops

Scheduled Tribe (ST) youths, who were recruited as Special Police Officers (SPOs) in 2008 and 2009, will now be posted in different police stations of the State as regular civilian policemen.
The SPOs were earlier absorbed in Odisha Auxiliary Police Force (OAPF) after undergoing three years of contractual engagement.
This was announced by state DGP K B Singh here today.
"A total of 4188 OAPF constables will be posted in all the police districts of the State, including in the Commissionerate police of twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar from January 1, 2016", the DGP said adding that the state government has approved a proposal to this effect made in November this year.

In addition to their normal police duty, these constables will also work in the various welfare activities like 'Aama Police', 'Mahila O Sishu Desk' and reception centers of the concerned police stations, the DGP informed saying they will be under the command and disciplinary control of the concerned district SPs and city DCPs.
In 2008, after 60 years of Independence, it was felt that certain groups of ST population in the State do not have adequate representations in Odisha police despite the provisions of reservation.

Therfore, a special drive was undertaken to recruit youths of these ST groups as SPOs. In two phases, at least 5600 SPOs were recruited from 19 tribal dominated districts and they were absorbed in OAPF after three years of contractual engagement.

"In order to strengthen the policing system and to check the growing law and order situation in the State, the OAPF constables will join the police force as regulars", said a press release issued by the State police headquarters here.
A maximum of 505 OAPF constables will be posted under Bhubaneswar DCP while 432 would be posted under Cuttack DCP, the release added.