Police Sub-Inspector (Unarmed) and Armed

Table of Contents

Police Sub-Inspector (Unarmed) and Armed- Among the important positions in the Bangladesh Police, the Sub-Inspector (SI) plays a crucial role. This position is vital for maintaining law and order in society through various responsible duties. Sub-Inspectors are divided into two main categories: Sub-Inspector (Unarmed) and Sub-Inspector (Armed). While there are some fundamental differences in their duties, their common goal is to ensure law and order.

What is a Sub-Inspector (Unarmed)?

In Bangladesh Police, a Sub-Inspector (Unarmed) is an officer who primarily performs administrative and supervisory duties. They generally do not carry weapons, although they may carry a pistol in special circumstances. They do not usually engage in direct armed operations. Their main tasks include crime investigation, preparing reports, overseeing the activities of the police station, and representing cases in court.

Responsibilities of a Sub-Inspector (Unarmed)

Conducting investigations: When a crime occurs, the Sub-Inspector is responsible for investigating it. Identifying criminals and gathering evidence are key parts of their duties.
Case handling: They manage the initial verification and registration of complaints filed by the public at the police station.
Law enforcement: They take legal action against individuals responsible for breaking the law.
Maintaining local peace: These officers play a crucial role in resolving minor crimes and disputes within the community.
Court-related tasks: They assist in presenting evidence and documents in court to support legal cases.

What is a Sub-Inspector (Armed)?

A Sub-Inspector (Armed) is an officer who is always equipped with weapons and directly participates in defense and offensive operations. These officers are mainly deployed in special situations or in high-risk environments to maintain law and order.

Most Armed Sub-Inspectors are promoted from the rank of police constable through departmental exams. They are usually responsible for security duties in police lines and are skilled in handling larger firearms. For example, police officers may use weapons such as submachine guns, commonly referred to as AK-47s by civilians, which are operated by armed Sub-Inspectors.

Responsibilities of a Sub-Inspector (Armed)

Carrying out special operations: In special situations, such as protests or riots, the Armed Sub-Inspector plays a vital role in controlling the situation.
Managing armed conflicts: They are crucial in preventing and dealing with armed clashes or attacks.
Arresting high-profile criminals: Armed Sub-Inspectors directly participate in the arrest of dangerous or armed criminals.
Ensuring security of key locations: They are responsible for guarding important buildings, such as the Prime Minister’s office.

Differences Between Sub-Inspector (Unarmed) and Armed

Carrying weapons

Unarmed Sub-Inspectors generally do not carry firearms, although they may carry a pistol for self-defense or when arresting a suspect.
Armed Sub-Inspectors are always armed and usually stationed in police lines, ready to deal with dangerous situations and conflicts.

Type of work

Unarmed Sub-Inspectors are typically engaged in crime investigations and managing administrative tasks at the police station.
Armed Sub-Inspectors are involved in direct armed operations, riot control, and securing key locations.

Nature of operations

Unarmed Sub-Inspectors focus on handling legal cases and investigations, while Armed Sub-Inspectors conduct armed operations.

Recruitment process

Armed Sub-Inspectors are usually promoted from the rank of constable through departmental exams, first becoming Armed ASI (Assistant Sub-Inspector) and then Armed SI (Sub-Inspector). They are generally not directly recruited.
Unarmed Sub-Inspectors can be recruited both through departmental promotions and through direct recruitment, as seen in the current 2024 Sub-Inspector (Unarmed) recruitment circular.