SI Full Form | Sub-Inspector Latest Updates | SI Abbreviation 2021
The initials SI stand for Sub-Inspector. The abbreviation SI is an official rank of police department used in most of the states in India. The SI is deputed in command of a police station.
The rank of SI is a key police post as they look after the affairs of their police station areas. An SI in India is the lowest rank of officer in the police department in a state. They are below the rank of Inspector in the police department.
The SI rank has its own police insignia usually comprising two stars and a red and blue striped ribbon at the outer end of the shoulder straps. This insignia is more or less the same in all Indian states.
Introduction of the Rank of SI in Police Department
It was in the 19th century when the rank of SI or sub-inspector was introduced into the Metropolitan Police in England. In 1890, it was replaced by a newly created rank Station Sergeant.
However, the term SI continues in the erstwhile British-ruled countries. Nepal, not ruled by the British, also uses the term SI in its Armed Police Force.
The Royal Malaysian Police also has the rank of SI. In Malaysia, the SI is the senior-most of non-commissioned officers.
In India, the rank of SI was introduced by the British. When India was divided in 1947, Pakistan retained this rank. When Bangladesh was carved out of Pakistan in 1971, the country also retained the rank of SI.
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Official Duties of SI
A SI has to perform many duties in Indian states being the command of a police station. Besides maintaining a law and order situation within the jurisdiction of the police station where the SI is stationed, they also can investigate criminal cases.
They file the charge sheet in court and files FIRs. In some states like Kerala, the SI has also been termed the station officer. Besides the state police departments, the other paramilitary forces including the Central Armed Reserve Police Force, State Armed Reserve Police, and Armed Battalions also have the rank of SI.
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The Conclusion
Besides India, the term SI is also used in some other foreign countries, particularly those of South Asia, including Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. In fact, most of the countries once ruled by the British use this term.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
In which country does the rank of SI in the police department originate?
Answer: It was in England where this rank originated in the 19th century. The Metropolitan Police in England first introduced the rank of SI. In 1890, it was replaced by a newly created rank Station Sergeant. The term SI, however, continues in the erstwhile British-ruled countries.
Besides India, what are the other countries that use the term SI?
Answer: Besides India, several other countries use the term SI. Such countries, among others, are Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Nepal, though not being ever ruled by the British, also uses this term. So is Malaysia where the term is used.
What are the general duties of the SI’s in India?
Answer: The SI’s in Indian states perform many duties and mostly such duties pertaining to the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the police station where he or she is the In-Charge. The SI maintains general law and order situations in their command areas and investigates criminal cases.
Is it the SI who files the FIRs?
Answer: Yes, they have to do it. They file the charge sheet in court and records FIRs. They often have to visit court to place the reports of their investigations in different criminal cases pertaining to their jurisdiction.
