Kerala Police

The Kerala State Police (Malayalam: കേരള പോലീസ്) is the law enforcement agency for the state of Kerala, India. Kerala Police has its headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. The Kerala Police Academy is situated at Thrissur. The motto of the force is Mridhu bhave dhrida krthye which means "Soft in Temperament, Firm in Action" in Sanskrit.

Kerala Police has a reputation for being one of the best managed police forces in the country, and one of the top ranking states in terms of law and order, in various social security ranking. Since 2006 onwards, Kerala Police has embarked into a major modernatization program to tackle challengers of the 21st century. The state police is also the first police department in South Asia to undertake community policing.

History

The first references of an independent policing unit in ancient Kerala history was traced back to the period of Imperial Cheras, who ruled much of Kerala and West coast of India till 1102 AD. The reference in Sangam literature, throws light on a special type of guards outside regular army, known as Kolkaran or one who carried the Kole (a stick) represented the authority. Similar references are made in many historical works during that era.

Towards the declining period of Chera Empire, many feudal kingdoms rose in Kerala, and each feudal lord became responsible for maintaining his authority over the people. This led to maintaining private force...
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