A "3-star police" officer typically refers to an Inspector in many Commonwealth countries like India, where they wear three stars, or a senior officer like a Deputy Commissioner/Assistant Commissioner in Australia, depending on the specific insignia system (stars, pips, crown). The meaning depends heavily on the country, but generally indicates a mid-to-senior command rank with significant leadership responsibility.
Director-General of Police (DGP)
It is also known as the State Police Chief because it is the head of the state's police force. A three-star police officer in India is the Director-General of Police (DGP). A three-star rank officer is a senior leader in various military services, according to NATO's OF-8 code.
The highest police rank in Australia is the Commissioner of Police, a title used across both the Australian Federal Police (AFP) (AFP Commissioner) and state/territory forces (e.g., Chief Commissioner in Victoria, Commissioner in WA, QLD, etc.), leading the entire force and overseeing strategic direction, with specific titles like 'Chief Commissioner' in Victoria and 'Commissioner' for the federal body.
Here is a list of the eight ranks in a police department in order:
Lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank in the Indian Army. It is the second-highest active rank in the Indian Army. Lieutenant generals rank above the two-star rank of Major General and below the four-star rank of General, which is held by the Chief of the Army Staff.
There are currently 152 active-duty three-star officers in the uniformed services of the United States.
Police Ranks
The chief of police is usually highest-ranking level in the chain-of-command, although some larger metropolitan departments may also have a commissioner or superintendent.
How Long Does it Take To Become a Detective? While the path toward becoming a police detective may vary, generally, after obtaining a high school diploma or GED, it can take anywhere from five to eight years to be promoted from a police officer to a detective.
Nicknames for police in the US
But by far, the most common and oldest nickname given to police officers is “cop.” “Cop” is a name used so frequently and widely in the US, that it has become synonymous with “police” in the dictionary and is even used by law enforcement officers themselves.
Australian police salaries vary by state and rank, with starting salaries for new recruits typically ranging from around $70,000 to over $80,000 base, increasing significantly with allowances (like shift work) and experience, reaching potentially $100,000+ for experienced Constables and much higher for senior ranks, plus strong superannuation.
The Tactical Response Team (TRT) stands as Australian law enforcement's premier elite unit. Frequently drawing personnel from former special forces, TRT members receive training for urban, rural, and maritime environments.
Police Constable / Detective Constable – this is the starting rank for police officers. Sergeant – the first supervisory rank, most sergeants are responsible for a team of constables.
Private First Class (one stripe) Corporal (two stripes) Sergeant (three stripes) Staff Sergeant (four stripes)
Inspectors oversee investigations and co-ordinate law enforcement operations in their respective jurisdictions, and may also head special units. Their insignia is three stars with a ribbon that is half red and half blue.
Police khaki uniforms are considered to be their biggest identity. Just the difference is that if its color is slightly lighter then somewhere a bit darker. Seeing from a distance people recognize that police is coming. But have you ever wondered why the color of the uniform of police is only khaki.
Top ten real life detectives
Most police and detectives must graduate from their agency's training academy before completing a period of on-the-job training. Other requirements vary, but candidates usually must be at least 21 years old and able to meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications.
Origin #1: The 10-Code Theory (“10-12” Code for Police Present) One of the strongest theories traces “12” back to the 10-codes used in law enforcement radio communication. The 10-12 police code means: *“Stand by / Be on alert” or “There are visitors or bystanders present.”
Every state police force is headed by a Director General of Police (DGP), assisted by Additional or Special DGPs for key divisions like Law & Order, Crime, or Intelligence. Large forces are divided into zones, ranges, and districts, while metropolitan areas function under the Commissionerate system.
1. Commissioner. Our Commissioner handles management, strategic planning and policy. They are accountable to the Australian Parliament and the Minister of Home Affairs.
Most squads are assigned a corporal, which is a supervisory position. The Corporal rank is a chevron with two stripes. In addition to their supervisory responsibilities, Corporals also perform functions such as patrol and investigations. Corporals typically act as the supervisor in the Sergeant's absence.
Here, we take a detailed look at 8 Top Police Force in the World 2024, exploring their origins, structures, and contributions to public safety.
Summary of Duties: A Police Detective performs preliminary and follow-up investigations of crimes; does surveillance work to detect or prevent crime; may supervise or coordinate the activities of a detail or unit engaged in investigating various crimes or activities; and does related work.