Inspector at Rs 3,000, dogs at Rs 7,000: Kerala issues new rate card for hiring police

In Kerala, for a little over Rs 34,000 per day, individuals and entities can avail the services of a police inspector, complete with a trained police dog, essential wireless equipment, and even the usage of a police station, a TOI report stated. This initiative, although not a new financial strategy, has recently been updated, drawing both attention and criticism.

As per a recent government order, hiring a circle inspector rank officer falls within the range of Rs 3,035 to Rs 3,340 per day. For a more economical option, individuals can opt for the services of a civil police officer, commonly known as a neighborhood constable, at a cost of Rs 610 per day. Remarkably, police dogs are available for rent at Rs 7,280 daily, while wireless equipment can be obtained at Rs 12,130 per day. Additionally, a police station can be rented for Rs 12,000.

The rationale behind similar rental rates for a police station and police wireless or the higher cost of hiring a police dog compared to a police officer remains unclear from the government order.


The target audience for this initiative, according to the government, includes private parties, entertainments, and film shootings.

However, some government officials express dissatisfaction with the order. They emphasize that film companies and affluent individuals organizing private events are financially capable and do not require rented police personnel and equipment. Moreover, there are ethical concerns surrounding the rental of state-owned resources, including personnel and property, and potential security risks associated with hiring wireless sets and armed police officers.

Film industry insiders clarify that they primarily rely on the police for obtaining necessary permissions when filming in public or sensitive areas. Roshan Chittoor, a film producer, stated, “All other infrastructure related to the police are already available within the industry itself.”

In a notable incident last year, four police officers were assigned for guard duty at a businessman's daughter's wedding in Panoor, Kannur, sparking a significant controversy. C R Biju, the police officers’ association state general secretary, stressed that human and other police resources should not be used for show and extravagance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the specified Standard Operating Procedures outlined in the government order. Failure to comply with these SOPs might result in unexpected venues, such as a Kerala police station, being utilized for events like weddings, overseen by inspectors and police dogs.