10
16 Police District—The State Government may, by notification, declare from such date as may be specified in the notification, any area in the State as a Police District for the purposes of this Act.
Provided that in one Police District areas of more than one revenue District shall not be included.
17 District Police Chief—(1) The police and the police stations of a Police District shall, subject to such orders as may be issued by the Government and subject to the supervision and lawful command of the State Police Chief, function under the supervision and control of a District Police Chief of such rank as may be fixed by the Government and such Police Officers of such rank as may be fixed by the Government shall assist him in the matter.
(2) The District Police Chief shall not be an officer lower in rank than a Superintendent of Police.
18 State Police Chief—(1) The administration, supervision, direction and control of the Police throughout the State shall, subject to the control of the Government, be vested in an officer designated as the State Police Chief.
(2) The State Police Chief shall be appointed by the Government from among those officers of the State Cadre of the Indian Police Service who have already been promoted to the rank of Director General of Police, taking into account the ability to lead the Police Force of the State, the overall history of service, professional knowledge and experience.
Provided that where in a case or disciplinary proceedings, for and on behalf of the State a change has been given or is pending against an officer before any Court or Tribunal or departmental agency, that officer shall not be appointed as the State Police Chief.
(3) Any person who performs any functions of the police in the State of Kerala in exercise of the powers under this Act shall be officers subordinate to the State Police Chief.
(4) Such number of officers of different ranks as may be decided by the Government from time to time shall assist the State Police Chief.
(5) No officer senior to the State Police Chief shall be appointed in the Kerala Police.
19 Co-ordination by District Magistrate—(1) In order to ensure the efficient general administration of the District, the District Magistrate shall have the authority to co-ordinate the functioning of the Police in the following matters with other agencies connected with the administration of the District—
