The Malabar Special Police (MSP) is an armed police battalion of the State Police of Kerala, India. MSP is headquartered in Malappuram, Kerala. The unit also trains new recruits and also helps the local police to maintain law and order during emergencies. During emergencies, this unit forms the riot police platoons fully equipped with riot gear. This police unit is known for its extraordinarily tough training, and the high quality of its firing and military drills. The MSP, initially known as Malappuram Special Police, originated in 1884 as a paramilitary unit tasked with managing the Malabar rebellion under British rule. Richard Hitchcock, the district superintendent of police for South Malabar at that time, advocated for the creation of this battalion, modeled after an Indian Infantry battalion.

History

According to Kerala Police history, the unit dates back to the late 18th century when the local rulers of Kerala established armed paramilitary units to deal with the Moplahs. This function was later taken over by a group of 500 armed police officers, who were made responsible for collecting revenue from the Moplahs. The MSP was raised in 1884 as a temporary force under the name of Malappuram Special Police, since its headquarters were located in Malappuram, with a strength which consisted of 80 constables, 4 native head constables, 4 sergeants, a bugler and a British inspector. They were temporarily drafted into a special force and successfully suppressed a group of Mapilla villagers in Chembrassery.

In 1932, the force went through reorganisation and had its strength reduced to 6 companies. This number increased to 16 during the World War II. The MSP strike of 1946 brought this number down to 12 companies.

Structure

The MSP is led by a Commandant, the battalion comprises companies and platoons, each under the command of officers including Deputy Commandants and Assistant Commandants. Within these units, there's a chain of command ranging from Armed Police Inspectors to Constables. The Commandant of MSP is holding the rank of Superintendent of Police. The commandant reports to Deputy inspector general of police, armed police battalions.

Hierarchy

  • Commandant (Cmdt)
  • Deputy commandant (DC)
  • Assistant commandant (AC)
  • Armed Police Inspector (API)
  • Armed Police Sub Inspector (APSI)
  • Armed Police Asst. Sub inspector (APASI)
  • Havildar (Hdr.)
  • Police constable (PC)

References

  • http://www.tn.gov.in/police/histone.htm