Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at strengthening policing services and improving law and order management, the Odisha government has approved a proposal to reappoint around 800 retired police personnel as Special Police Officers (SPOs) on a contractual basis for a period of one year.
The decision is intended to harness the vast experience, field knowledge and professional expertise of retired police officers to support regular police personnel across the State. Retired officers from the ranks of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Sub-Inspector (SI) and Inspector will be eligible for reappointment under the scheme.
The Home Department has issued official instructions in this regard to the Director General of Police (DGP) and all Inspector Generals through a formal communication. According to the guidelines, only retired police officers below 65 years of age will be considered for engagement as SPOs. Their Confidential Character Reports (CCR) must reflect a “very good” service record, ensuring that only officers with proven integrity and performance are selected.
The eligibility criteria also clearly state that officers must have vacated their government quarters prior to being considered for reappointment. Additionally, no disciplinary proceedings should have been initiated or pending against the officer during their service tenure, reinforcing the emphasis on discipline and credibility.
To ensure transparency and adherence to rules, a special selection committee will be constituted by the Director General of Police to oversee the recruitment process. The selection will be conducted strictly in accordance with the guidelines issued by the General Administration Department.
Officials believe that the reappointment of experienced retired officers will provide much-needed operational support to police units across various districts, especially in areas facing manpower shortages. These SPOs are expected to assist in maintaining law and order, supervising field duties, mentoring younger personnel and strengthening overall policing efficiency.
The Odisha government expects that this initiative will not only improve response capabilities and administrative efficiency but also enhance public safety by leveraging the institutional knowledge of seasoned police professionals. The move reflects the State’s proactive approach towards addressing policing challenges while optimally utilising available human resources.
