When it comes to initiating reforms in the service conditions of the police force, Tamil Nadu could boast of being a pioneer with the establishment of the first Police Commission as early as November 1969 by the DMK government, headed by M. Karunanidhi. Currently, a Police Commission, headed by C.T. Selvam, a retired judge of the Madras High Court, has begun work.
The first Commission, with the retired Chief Secretary, R.A. Gopalaswamy, as its chairperson, had among its members the then Advocate-General, S. Govind Swaminathan, and Tamil Scholar and MLA M.P. Sivagnanam (Ma Po Si). In 1971, it submitted its report suggesting the three cadre systems — Tamil Nadu State Police Service, Police executive service and police constabulary service. It recommended that the basic pay scales and dearness allowance be fixed for different categories on the principles of common applicability to all public services and separately compensated in the form of promotions. Among its other recommendations were sanctioning of a special provident fund scheme for the police force and the target of 80% housing for the police force. The Commission also recommended that lock-ups at police stations be remodelled with better ventilation and sanitation.
