Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police Officers Association has opposed the government’s decision to hand over the charge of police stations to Sub-Inspectors (SIs), arguing that experienced Inspectors should continue as Station House Officers (SHOs).

In a resolution submitted to the government, the association said Kerala, which holds a leading position in maintaining law and order, would be taking a step backwards by assigning police station responsibilities to SIs.

The association has called for experienced Inspectors to continue as SHOs and has also sought the creation of an additional Inspector post at each police station.

The resolution comes against the backdrop of the government’s decision to transfer charge of police stations to SIs from August 15. The Justice K.T. Thomas Commission had recommended that an officer of Inspector rank should be appointed as the SHO of a police station.

The Police Officers Association, which includes Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), SIs and Inspectors, also raised objections to the proposed restructuring of police organisations.

According to the association, placing officers ranging from the SI to the Superintendent of Police (SP) rank in a single organisation could lead to administrative and organisational difficulties.

The association said the proposed Police Senior Officers Association would have a majority of members from the SI rank. This, it argued, could result in SI-rank officers dominating leadership positions within the organisation.

It also expressed concern that senior-ranking officers could use their official positions to enter the organisation's leadership and argued that the existing arrangement should therefore be retained.

The association has also demanded that the order seeking to abolish the Police Officers Association be withdrawn.