Powers of superior officers of police

A police officer who is senior to the officer in charge of a police station may exercise the same powers that the station in-charge has, but throughout the local area to which the senior officer is appointed. It applies when the officer is higher in rank and posted to that area. Consequence: the senior officer can act with the same authority across that area.

Priya is posted as a circle officer covering three police stations. A theft complaint comes from Station B; Priya can register the FIR and order investigation or arrests anywhere in that circle without waiting for the station in-charge. Under this rule she has the same authority across her local area.