Understanding Police Line Duty: Salary and Responsibilities Explained

What is Line Duty in the Police Force?

When police officers are assigned to line duty, their salaries remain unaffected; they receive their full pay. This action is purely administrative and occurs during investigations, where officers are stationed at headquarters.

Common Misconceptions About Salary During Line Duty

The topic of line duty often sparks discussions among officers and the public alike. A common question arises: does a policeman's salary get deducted while on line duty? Let's clarify this.

Line duty refers to the temporary reassignment of a policeman from their usual post to the police headquarters or another designated location. This is typically done for investigations or disciplinary reasons, ensuring that the officer can perform their duties without external pressures.

Clarifying the Nature of Line Duty

Being placed on line duty does not imply guilt on the officer's part; it is merely an administrative measure to facilitate an unbiased investigation.

Contrary to popular belief, officers do not experience a salary cut while on line duty. They continue to receive their full salary, even when relocated from their regular assignments during the investigation.

Responsibilities During Line Duty

While on line duty, the officer's responsibilities are limited, and they are not engaged in significant operations or fieldwork. This is part of the administrative oversight during the investigation.

When a complaint is lodged against an officer, the department acts swiftly based on the severity of the allegations. Initially, the officer is notified, and relevant documents or responses are requested. Following this, a decision is made regarding their line duty status.

Duration of Line Duty

The length of time an officer remains on line duty is variable. It lasts until the investigation concludes or the allegations are resolved. This period can range from weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the case. Throughout this time, the officer retains their rights and performs duties as per departmental guidelines.