An inspector-general of police is a senior police officer in the police force or police service of several nations. The rank usually refers to the head of a large regional command within a police service, and in many countries refers to the most senior officer of the entire national police.
In Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Inspector General of Police heads the Bangladesh Police.
In Ghana, Inspector General of Police is the title of the head of the Ghana Police Service.
During the British Colonial era, the British Parliament introduced the Indian Councils Act 1861 in India.[1] The act created a new cadre of police, called Superior Police Services, later known as the Indian Imperial Police.[1] The highest rank in the service was the Inspector General.[1] This rank is equivalent to Joint Commissioner of police in metropolitan areas.
Currently, in modern India, an inspector-general of police (IGP) is an officer from Indian Police Service. In a state, an IGP holds the third-highest rank in the hierarchy, just below the rank of additional director general of police and above deputy inspector general of police. IGP-ranked officers wear gorget patches on their collars. Although it has a dark blue background which is similar to DIGs and SSPs, an oak leaf pattern is stitched on the patch; unlike DIGs and SSPs, which have a white line stitched on the patch.
In Indonesia, an inspector-general of police (inspektur jenderal polisi or abbreviated irjen (pol)) holds the third-highest rank of the Indonesian National Police (equivalent to a major general in the Indonesian National Armed Forces). Usually, police with rank inspector-general of police became a chief of regional police department with type-A classification (capital city, strategic and major/densely populated provinces), chief of divisions, special staff to the chief of national police, or deputy head of any agency under the police's territory.
In Kenya, the inspector-general of police is the senior most police officer, who has the overall command of the Kenya National Police Service. In the event of a vacancy arising, the procedure for appointment of the inspector-general is:[2] [3]
The IG is charged with the overall administrative management of the police force, exercises independent command over the National Police Service and performs any other functions prescribed by national legislation. Consequently, the inspector-general reports directly to the president and is also a member of the National Security Council, chaired by the president.[4] Under the IG are two deputy inspectors-general who command the Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service respectively. The inspector-general is appointed for a single four-year term, and is not eligible for re-appointment. The inspector-general may be removed from office by the president only on the grounds of:[5]
In Malawi, the inspector-general of police is the head of the Malawi Police Service. S/he is appointed by the President and confirmed by the National Assembly by a majority vote. In the exercise of his/her powers the Inspector General is accountable to the Minister responsible for Police.
In Malaysia, the Inspector-General of Police heads the Royal Malaysia Police.
In Nepal, the inspector general of police is the highest rank of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. Shailesh Thapa Chhetri is current IGP of Nepal police.
An inspector-general of police heads the Nigeria Police Force.
In Pakistan, the inspector general of police heads the police force of a province. The IGP is appointed at Grade BS 22/21. The inspector general of police (IGP) is a Police Service of Pakistan officer, appointed by the federal government with consent of provincial chief minister. The rank insignia is the national emblem or one pip above a crossed sword and baton worn on shoulder flashes.
In Sierra Leone the inspector general of police is the head of the Sierra Leone Police force nationally, which is one of the oldest continuously operational police services in Africa. The inspector general is assisted by a deputy Iinspector general, and several assistant inspectors general.[6]
In Sri Lanka, the Inspector General of Police heads the Sri Lanka Police Service.
The inspector general of police is the highest rank in the Tanzania Police Force.
The inspector general of police is the highest rank in the Uganda Police Force. Since 2001, the position has been held by a two-star military general of the Uganda People's Defense Force.
In Northern Ireland, the chief officer of the former Royal Ulster Constabulary (now replaced by the Police Service of Northern Ireland) was titled inspector general until 1970, when following a review the post was renamed chief constable.