Bhubaneswar: City police have launched a new reward programme, offering monetary incentives to investigating officers (IO)s who swiftly resolve crime investigations. Officers achieving the highest number of resolved cases will receive Rs 10,000 every month.
Marking the start of the initiative on Tuesday, DCP Jagmohan Meena presented cash awards and appreciation certificates to 67 high-performing IOs, including assistant sub-inspectors (ASI) and sub-inspectors (SI) from various police stations.
“We are evaluating investigators’ performance. Top performers will receive monthly rewards as a token of encouragement,” DCP Meena said.
The initiative seeks to reduce case backlogs and enhance investigation standards. Monthly reviews by senior officers will ensure investigations remain thorough despite quick resolutions. Officials indicate this programme should enhance motivation and foster positive competition among investigation teams.
Subhransu Mohapatra, an SI from Nayapalli police station, emerged top performer in March by resolving 27 pending cases, earning Rs 10,000. Officers who cracked between 15 and 20 cases received Rs 7,500 and Rs 5,000, respectively. Sources indicate the rewards come from govt-sanctioned funds for improving investigations across the state.
Bhubaneswar currently faces 11,690 pending cases as of Tuesday, with police targeting monthly resolutions of a minimum of 2,000 cases. Nayapalli and Khandagiri police stations each have highest 1,300 pending cases.
“Despite assembly, VIP and law and order responsibilities, our staff resolved 1,300 pending cases last month, filing chargesheets in courts. Swift investigation and pending case resolution remain priorities,” DCP Meena explained.
Odisha Police recently announced plans to further strengthen the criminal justice system through technology integration and capacity building. This includes establishing more forensic laboratories, implementing artificial intelligence-based investigation tools, and providing specialised training to investigating officers.
Experts suggest separating law enforcement duties from criminal investigation. “Investigation quality would improve if separated from law and order duties. Investigators shouldn’t handle crowd control, traffic or VIP security. They require adequate time. Additional staffing will reduce workload, improving investigators’ professional effectiveness,” noted retired SP, Santosh Nayak.