Uttar Pradesh Police Announces New SOP for Preliminary Investigations | Lucknow News

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for preliminary investigations in cases involving imprisonment of 3 to 7 years under Section 173(3) of the Indian Citizen Security Act, 2023. SOPs have been prepared. by the technical services wing of the police.
For crimes with a penalty of 3 to 7 years, the station officer may initiate a preliminary investigation only after obtaining the prior approval of an officer of at least the rank of deputy commissioner. The purpose is to determine whether a prima facie case exists. The investigation must be completed within 14 days.
After receiving information about an incident or complaint, the station attendant will record a brief summary in the General Diary. For the investigation, permission must be obtained from the deputy inspector or a higher-ranking officer within 24 hours. If the preliminary examination is deemed appropriate, it is carried out by the station officer or assistant inspector. The investigation will only aim to establish the existence of a prima facie crime and will enable the officer to collect the necessary evidence or documents.
The station officer will seek permission from the district officer to register an FIR and begin full investigation. A copy of the FIR will be sent to the information owner and he/she will be informed about the registration electronically or in writing as per SOP.
A senior official added that if no prima facie evidence is found, permission will be sought not to register an FIR. The person providing information will be notified electronically or in writing of the decision not to record the report, together with appropriate documentation of this notification.
Each preliminary review must be completed within 14 days. Otherwise, an FIR will be registered without delay and the investigating officer will face action by the department unless a satisfactory explanation is provided.
A daily report on preliminary investigations will be submitted to the chief and the deputy police inspector. Records for tracking these investigations will be kept at police stations and district centers and will be updated regularly. A digital system for recording investigation information will be developed and police personnel will be trained.
Senior district police officials, including the district police chief, will review all ongoing preliminary investigations on a monthly basis to ensure fair and timely trials.
District officials have been instructed to hold workshops to inform subordinate officers and employees about these guidelines and ensure strict compliance.