Sudam babu state bureau odisha

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Cuttack, October 9, 2026: The 71st Odisha State Police Professional Competition concluded on Friday at the Reserve Police Ground in Buxi Bazaar, Cuttack, highlighting the growing importance of professional skills, scientific investigation and technology-driven policing in tackling emerging criminal challenges.

The three-day event brought together 319 police personnel, from constables to inspectors, representing different districts and police establishments across Odisha. The competition aimed to assess professional capabilities, strengthen investigative expertise and encourage police personnel to adopt modern techniques in law enforcement.

Odisha Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest. He received the ceremonial salute during a parade and presented awards to participants who demonstrated outstanding performance in their respective disciplines.

Minister Calls for Greater Professional Competence

Addressing police personnel at the concluding ceremony, Minister Harichandan highlighted the value of professional competitions in improving confidence, refining practical skills and encouraging a stronger commitment to duty. He said that recognising the efforts of personnel motivates them to perform their responsibilities with greater dedication and efficiency.

The Minister also acknowledged the sacrifices made by police personnel, who frequently work in difficult circumstances and remain separated from their families while ensuring public safety. He stressed that such professional events provide an important opportunity to assess capabilities, improve operational readiness and promote a culture of excellence within the police force.

Referring to the changing nature of crime, Harichandan noted that technological advancements and social developments have created new challenges for law enforcement agencies. Cybercrime, financial fraud, organised criminal networks and drug trafficking require more sophisticated responses than conventional policing methods alone can provide.

He emphasised the need to equip police personnel with modern technological resources, specialised knowledge and the determination to respond effectively to these evolving threats. He also underlined the importance of cooperation among the police, government institutions and the public in achieving the shared objective of a safer, drug-free and crime-free Odisha.

Congratulating the successful participants, the Minister encouraged all personnel to continue upgrading their knowledge and professional abilities while maintaining dedication to public service.

DGP Stresses Scientific Methods in Criminal Investigations

Odisha Director General of Police Binaytosh Mishra described the State Police Professional Competition as an important platform for improving the investigative capabilities of officers and personnel rather than merely a contest for awards.

He highlighted the growing significance of scientific investigation in modern policing, explaining that the effective use of forensic science, technical resources and evidence-based investigative methods can help investigators identify offenders and build stronger cases.

According to the DGP, the quality of criminal investigations depends significantly on the ability of police personnel to apply appropriate scientific procedures and technological tools. Careful evidence collection, accurate documentation and reliable forensic analysis are essential for establishing facts and supporting the criminal justice process.

The competition offered participants an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and practical skills across a broad range of policing disciplines.

Competition Covers Forensics, Cybercrime and Technical Surveillance

The participating personnel competed in several specialised areas designed to assess both traditional investigative skills and knowledge of emerging technologies.

The disciplines included forensic science, forensic medicine and toxicology, fingerprint examination, photography, computer awareness, cybercrime, technical surveillance, criminal laws and procedures, crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and the proper packing and dispatch of evidence.

These areas reflect the increasingly specialised demands placed on police personnel as criminal activities become more complex and technology-dependent.

Crime scene examination and evidence management remain particularly important because mistakes during collection, preservation or transportation can affect the reliability of material presented during legal proceedings. Similarly, expertise in fingerprints, forensic medicine and scientific analysis can provide investigators with valuable information when examining criminal cases.

The inclusion of computer awareness, cybercrime and technical surveillance also demonstrates the importance of digital expertise in responding to offences involving electronic devices, online platforms and technology-enabled criminal networks.

The best-performing participants will be selected to form the Odisha Police team for the All India Police Professional Competition, giving the state’s personnel an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise at the national level.

Special Attention to Cases Involving Women and Children

DGP Mishra also highlighted the need for specialised investigative skills when handling sensitive criminal cases, particularly those involving women and children.

He stressed that investigations registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act require appropriate professional knowledge, careful handling of evidence and adherence to established legal procedures. Strengthening the competence of investigating officers in such cases is essential to ensuring that investigations are conducted effectively and sensitively.

The DGP further emphasised that scientific evidence, sound investigative practices and professional training must work together to improve the quality of criminal investigations and support the delivery of justice.

Crime Branch to Expand Training Initiatives

To address emerging investigative requirements, the Odisha Crime Branch has been conducting training programmes and workshops aimed at improving the professional capabilities of police personnel.

Mishra stated that these efforts would be strengthened through the introduction of additional training modules in the future. The planned expansion is intended to help personnel develop greater proficiency in scientific investigation, modern technology and the handling of complex criminal cases.

Continuous training has become increasingly important as investigators encounter new forms of cybercrime, organised criminal activity, drug trafficking and other offences that demand specialised knowledge. Regular skill development can help bridge gaps in technical expertise while ensuring that police personnel remain familiar with evolving investigative methods.

The DGP expressed confidence that enhanced training and professional competitions would contribute to better investigative standards and more effective policing across the state.

Strengthening the Future of Odisha Police

The conclusion of the 71st Odisha State Police Professional Competition marks another step in the state’s efforts to promote professional excellence and improve law enforcement capabilities.

The event brought attention to the need for a police force that combines practical experience with scientific knowledge, technological proficiency and a strong commitment to public service.

With the selection of outstanding performers for the national-level competition and plans to strengthen specialised training, Odisha Police is placing greater emphasis on developing the skills required to address contemporary criminal challenges.

The broader message from the closing ceremony was clear: effective policing depends not only on dedication and discipline but also on continuous learning, reliable scientific evidence and the ability to adapt to changing patterns of crime. These priorities will remain central to building a more capable, responsive and citizen-focused policing system in Odisha.