Central Reserve Police Force Overview
Consider this - there is a violent riot. The local authorities can't seem to control it. They call you for help. Protecting the innocent and preventing damage to property now becomes your responsibility. Are you up to this challenge? Then welcome to the world of the Central Reserve Police Force.
Riot control is just one of the many duties of the CRPF. Raised in 1939 as the 'Crown Representative's Police,' the Central Reserve Police Force got its present name after independence. Central Reserve Police Force is part of the central government and comes directly under the command of the home ministry.
The main tasks of the Central Reserve Police Force include:
• Maintaining internal security and enforcement of law and order.
• Providing assistance and support to other protective agencies.
• Providing relief and rescue services during floods, riots and other natural calamities.
As a Central Reserve Police Force officer, you will assist the local police in protecting public sector undertakings in case of emergency. You will also be required to help out the custom authorities in preventing smuggling over land and sea frontier of the country. With the threat of militancy and terrorism spreading in the country, you will also have to undertake counter insurgency and terrorism operations.
At times of general elections to Lok Sabha and to the Legislative Assemblies, the state government generally seek assistance from the central government for additional security. During such situations you as a Central Reserve Police Force officer, will be required to step in to help the local security forces.
In terms of organisational strength the Central Reserve Police Force consists of:
119 Executive Battalions: These form the bulk of the Central Reserve Police Force's force. Its basic role is that of a striking reserve force to be placed at the disposal of States and Union Territories for operations of short duration and return to the barracks once the task is accomplished
Two Mahila Battalions: It's one of its kinds in the Indian Paramilitary as they consist solely of women. Their role is similar to that of the executive battalions with special emphasis on law and order problems in which women may be involved in large numbers.
Seven Rapid Action Force Battalions: This elite branch of the Central Reserve Police Force deals with riots and related unrest. They are usually placed in communally sensitive areas and have been very successful in dealing with rioters as well as gaining the confidence of the minorities.
Five Signals Battalions: They are in charge of maintaining the lines of communications between various battalions.
Special Duty Group: This newly created branch specialises in countering terrorism and insurgency.
Another specialised outfit of the Central Reserve Police Force is the Green Force. This force is responsible for stopping environmental degradation and sustaining the regeneration of local flora and fauna.
