Tamil Nadu Police

150 Years of Distinguished Service

Established in 1859, the Tamil Nadu Police has completed 150 years of dedicated service to the people of Tamil Nadu. The force exercises jurisdiction over 1,30,058 sq. km, including a coastline of 1,076 km, serving a population of approximately 62 million.

The force is headed by a Director General of Police (DGP), assisted by Additional Directors General of Police (ADGPs), Inspectors General of Police (IGPs), and other officers at various levels. Four other officers of DGP rank independently oversee the Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation, Fire Services, Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board, and Training. The force comprises 236 IPS cadre officers, an executive strength of 1,03,098 personnel, and 5,309 ministerial staff.

Organizational Structure

The State Police setup includes:

• 7 Commissionerates – Chennai, Chennai Sub-Urban, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Salem, and Tirunelveli – each headed by a Commissioner of Police.
• 4 Zones – North, Central, West, and South – each under an Inspector General of Police.
• 12 Police Ranges (including Railway Police Range).
• 32 Police Districts, each headed by a Superintendent of Police.

Every city and district has an Armed Reserve in addition to the local police force. There are 1,452 Police Stations, including 196 Women Police Stations.

With over 10,130 women personnel, the Tamil Nadu Police has the largest number of women police officers in India, fully integrated into mainstream policing.

Specialized Wings and Units

To handle diverse responsibilities, the force has specialized wings for:

• Law and Order
• Crime and Crime Branch
• Traffic and State Traffic Planning Cell
• Security and Special Branch
• Intelligence
• Civil Supplies
• Economic Offences Wing
• Social Justice Wing
• Coastal Security Group
• Special Task Force
• Prohibition Enforcement Wing
• Recruitment and Training
• Police Housing Corporation
• Home Guards

Pioneering Milestones

Since the appointment of the first Inspector General in Madras in 1859, the Tamil Nadu Police has achieved several historic milestones:

• Establishment of the world’s first Fingerprint Bureau in Madras in 1895, which today contributes significantly to crime detection across India.
• Introduction of wireless radio communication (Malabar Police, 1923).
• Formation of police dog squads (1951).
• Pioneering computerization of crime records (1971).
• Establishment of a dedicated Microwave Network across the State (1979).
• Introduction of the Women Commando Force (2001).
• Raising of the first Women Battalion in the country (2004) as part of the Special Police.

Commitment to Modern Policing

The Tamil Nadu Police continues to modernize in response to evolving socio-economic challenges and emerging threats such as terrorism. By strengthening intelligence collection, leveraging advanced technology, and reinforcing community engagement, the force remains committed to:

• Maintenance of law and order
• Prevention and detection of crime
• Ensuring safety and justice for all citizens

In recognition of its remarkable legacy and service to society, the Department of Posts has issued a commemorative postage stamp honoring the Tamil Nadu Police and its 150 years of exemplary public service.