Superintendent of police (India)

Rank insignia of SP in selection grade

Rank insignia of SP in junior administrative grade (JAG) and senior time scale

The Superintendent of Police (SP) is a rank in Indian police forces held by an officer who serves as the head of a rural police district. Other officers of the same rank may lead specialised wings or units. In cities under commissionerate system, an SP and SSP may serve as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) under the Commissioner of Police. The SP reports directly to the district magistrate (collector), the administrative head of a revenue district, who has general control and direction over police administration. Additionally, an SP sends monthly reports to the Director General of Police (DGP) through the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The career progression of an SP involves advancing through three grades—senior time scale, junior administrative grade, and selection grade, and two insignias: one-star and two-star. In certain states, the SP in selection grade is known as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), who heads a larger police district. The SP ranks above the Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) and below the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). Officers reaching the SP rank are predominantly selected from the Indian Police Service (IPS) and, alternatively, from the respective State Police Services (SPS). IPS officers begin as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), while SPS officers start as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP/DySP), both heading sub-divisions.