Sudam babu state bureau odisha

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Cuttack, October 6: The 71st Odisha Police Professional Competition began at the Reserve Police Ground in Cuttack on Tuesday, bringing together police personnel from across the state to test and improve their professional knowledge, investigative abilities and operational skills.

The state-level event was formally inaugurated by Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Binayatosh Mishra. The competition has been organised with the objective of strengthening the capabilities of police personnel and preparing them to respond more effectively to the changing nature of crime and public safety challenges.

A total of 319 police personnel representing 39 police units are participating in the competition. The participants include officers and personnel from different ranks, ranging from Inspectors to Constables. Among them are 44 Inspectors, 52 Sub-Inspectors, 54 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 17 Havildars and 152 Constables.

The event also features the participation of 45 sniffer dogs and 45 handlers, adding an important practical dimension to the professional competition.

Focus on Professional Excellence

Addressing police personnel at the inaugural ceremony, DGP Binayatosh Mishra emphasised that policing requires continuous learning and professional development. He said that preventing crime, conducting effective investigations and protecting the rule of law remain fundamental responsibilities of the police force.

According to the DGP, the nature of crime is changing rapidly, requiring police personnel to update their knowledge and methods. Cybercrime, digital fraud and offences involving women and children have created new challenges for law enforcement agencies. Tackling such crimes effectively requires a combination of traditional policing experience, scientific knowledge and technological expertise.

He encouraged participants to use the competition as an opportunity to evaluate their existing skills while learning from the experiences of colleagues working in different police units.

Scientific Investigation and Digital Evidence

One of the major themes highlighted during the inaugural programme was the increasing importance of scientific investigation.

The DGP pointed out that modern policing cannot depend solely on conventional investigative methods. Forensic science, scientific evidence and digital information have become increasingly significant in criminal investigations.

The implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam has further increased the importance of understanding contemporary legal and investigative procedures.

Police personnel are therefore required to develop a strong understanding of evidence collection, documentation, forensic techniques and the appropriate handling of digital evidence. Such skills can play an important role in ensuring that investigations are thorough and legally sustainable.

Duty Meet as a Platform for Learning

DGP Mishra described the professional competition as more than simply a contest between police personnel. He said the Duty Meet provides an important platform for assessing the knowledge, practical abilities and professional experience of participating personnel.

The event also allows personnel from different units to exchange experiences and learn from one another. Such interaction can help spread effective policing practices across the state.

Participants are expected to demonstrate their abilities in areas associated with professional policing, investigation and other specialised duties. Their performance will also help identify personnel who can represent Odisha at the national level.

Odisha Police’s Focus on Major Crimes

During his address, the DGP also highlighted the efforts undertaken by Odisha Police in recent years to deal with organised crime and other serious threats.

He referred to action against organised criminal networks, extremism, drug trafficking, illegal arms activities and human trafficking. According to him, sustained efforts by police personnel have strengthened the state’s response to these challenges.

The DGP also praised police teams for their work in sensitive cases, particularly investigations involving children and other vulnerable sections of society. He stressed the importance of conducting investigations efficiently so that cases can reach their logical conclusion and offenders can be brought before the law.

Jharsuguda Case Cited as an Example

During the programme, DGP Mishra referred to a recent theft case in Jharsuguda as an example of efficient investigation.

He noted that the case resulted in a conviction within 17 days, describing the achievement as an indication of how effective investigation and coordinated police work can contribute to timely justice.

The DGP congratulated the Jharsuguda Superintendent of Police and the team involved in the case. Such examples, he suggested, can motivate other police personnel to improve investigation standards and work with greater efficiency.

Selection for All India Police Duty Meet

The competition also has an important national-level objective. The best-performing participants will be considered for inclusion in the Odisha Police team for the upcoming All India Police Duty Meet.

The selection process provides participants with an opportunity to demonstrate their professional capabilities at the state level before potentially representing Odisha at a national platform.

DGP Mishra urged all participants to approach the competition with dedication and a spirit of learning. He encouraged them not only to compete for recognition but also to exchange knowledge and improve their professional standards.

Public Trust Remains Central to Policing

The DGP also underlined that professional competence must ultimately serve the public.

He said that ensuring the safety of citizens, protecting women and children, maintaining communal harmony and preventing violence should remain among the highest priorities of the police force.

According to him, public confidence is one of the most important strengths available to any police organisation. Police personnel must therefore carry out their responsibilities with honesty, fairness, sensitivity and commitment.

The message placed emphasis on the relationship between professional policing and public trust. Efficient investigations and strong enforcement are important, but the manner in which police personnel interact with citizens is equally significant.

Senior Officers Attend Inaugural Ceremony

The state-level competition is being conducted under the direct supervision of IGP, Crime Branch, Dr. Sarthak Sarangi.

Dr. Sarangi delivered the welcome address during the inaugural programme and outlined the importance of the professional competition. DIG, Crime Branch, Madkar Sandeep Sampad delivered the vote of thanks.

Several senior officers of Odisha Police attended the inauguration at the Reserve Police Ground in Cuttack.

The 71st Odisha Police Professional Competition is expected to provide participating personnel with an opportunity to test their professional abilities, exchange practical knowledge and prepare for the increasingly complex demands of modern policing.

With crime increasingly involving technology, digital platforms and sophisticated networks, such professional exercises can help law enforcement personnel remain prepared for emerging challenges. The competition also reflects the broader emphasis on continuous training, scientific investigation and skill development within the police force.

As the event progresses, the performances of the participating officers and personnel will determine who earns the opportunity to represent Odisha at the national-level All India Police Duty Meet. For the participants, the competition is therefore both a test of professional competence and an opportunity to contribute to higher standards of policing in the state.