Under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the Superior Officer of Police (usually a Superintendent of Police or above) has certain powers related to the investigation of criminal cases.
Powers of the Superior Officer of Police
- Power to supervise investigation: The Superior Officer of Police has the power to supervise the investigation of criminal cases conducted by subordinates. This includes the power to transfer cases from one investigating officer to another.
- Power to order investigation: The Superior Officer of Police has the power to order an investigation into a criminal offence even if no FIR (First Information Report) has been filed.
- Power to arrest without warrant: The Superior Officer of Police has the power to arrest a person without a warrant in certain circumstances, such as when there is a reasonable suspicion that the person has committed a cognizable offence.
- Power to release on bail: The Superior Officer of Police has the power to release an accused person on bail if the offence is bailable.
- Power to order preventive detention: The Superior Officer of Police has the power to order the preventive detention of a person under certain provisions of the law.
- Power to issue search warrants: The Superior Officer of Police has the power to issue search warrants to search for and seize relevant evidence in connection with an investigation.
- Power to seize property: The Superior Officer of Police has the power to seize property that is suspected to be connected to the commission of a crime.
