Full Form of DGP

DGP Full Form

Who is DGP or what is DGP? We have come across certain situations during interviews or casual conversations wherein people ask the full form of DGP. Well, the abbreviation DGP stands for the Director-General of Police. A DGP is ranked as the highest police official or officer in a state or a territory. DGP has the responsibility of looking over the matters of the state thereby; making sure that no crime takes place in that particular state. The Cabinet appoints the DGP for looking after the state or the territory. A Cabinet is a body of government officials who appoint the inspectors, sub-inspectors, and constables. Cabinet Ministers or Secretaries fall under the category of Cabinets.

Well, it is interesting to note that a DGP carries three stars on his/ her uniform which is the sign of good performance by an individual for guarding the state. The DGP officers also wear Gorget Patches. If we closely look at their uniform, one can see the national emblem and a cross-sword followed by a baton. This is the rank insignia of the Director-General of Police.

 There are additional officers who hold the rank of a DGP in a particular state or territory. These officers are:

  • Director of Vigilance
  • Anti-Corruption Bureau
  • Director-General of Prison
  • Director-General of Fire Forces and Civil Defence
  • Criminal Investigation Department
  • Police Housing Society

These are some of the roles that the DGP rank holds. A person having a DGP rank can have any of the above-mentioned roles.

A DGP is the gazetted officer. We often get confused between IG and DGP. Both Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police are the same. Every state or territory is headed by a DGP or an IG officer. A DGP can exercise the power of an Executive Magistrate and other functions likewise.

Well, if we talk about the salary structure of a DGP then, it would be Rs.75,000/- – Rs.80,000/- per month according to the 7th pay commission as given by the Government of India.

Let us now look at some of the key responsibilities of a DGP. A DGP is considered to be the advisor of the Government who has the right to put forth his/ her opinion on the Police administration matters.

Since a DGP is the head of the state, he also has one more responsibility i.e. keeping the police force under discipline and training them. This should be done by the DGP in order to ensure law and order both in the state and among the force. Moreover, a DGP can issue orders but only after taking permission/ approval by the Government of India.

Whenever there are disputes within the state, be it political, industrial, or personal; the DGP looks out for a solution so that the peace is maintained within the state. At a certain point of time when riots or strikes break out, a DGP has the power to direct and control such operations. An officer who ranks as the DGP has a lot of responsibilities on him/ her.

When a DGP has to attend a meeting or have to go on official tours; the Chief Minister has to be informed primarily. So, these are some of the functions and responsibilities that are upon a DGP. And these responsibilities are not for DGP; rather these responsibilities and functions are followed by the other superior officers like IAS, IPS, etc.

Well, there is one interesting fact to know about the Director-General of Police. In addition to the above-mentioned roles in this article, a DGP also has certain roles in the Central Government. These additional roles are:

  • Director
  • Director of SVPNPA (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy)
  • Director General at CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force)

These three are additional roles that a DGP has to fulfill. A DGP has to take care of the state and is, therefore, responsible for maintaining peace within the state. A DGP is awarded based on his/ her performance. The Director-General of Police is also responsible for handling the strikes or riots in the state or territory. Thus, a DGP is a high-ranking officer having certain roles and responsibilities to fulfill.