ACP Full Form

ACP full-form is the Assistant Commissioner of Police and is considered a top rank in the Indian Police Service. They are known to operate at both state and central levels. In some countries, this position is found in revenue administrations like income tax, customs etc. An ACP is responsible for supervising the entire police force and initiating steps to maintain law and order. 

The post of ACP is regarded as perhaps the most prestigious and honorable one after the police commissioner. Besides overseeing criminal offenses, they even offer feedback on the decisions made in the department. 

What is ACP Full-form?

As already mentioned, the ACP full-form is Assistant Commissioner of Police, the highest rank in IPS. The duty of an Assistant Commissioner of Police is pretty similar to that of a DACP because both ranks are identified by three stars. Many aspirants portray interest to join the police force as ACP; however few could fulfill the dream. 

Recruitment in this top rank of police requires candidates to either appear in the UPSC exam or wait for at least 15 years to get promoted to ACP. If you are ambitious to become a proud ACP then, start preparing for the UPSC exam that comprises three levels. Remember, there's no direct process to get selected as ACP, you need to first appear in the UPSC IPS exam. After completing a term of service, you can get promoted as an ACP officer. To foster your knowledge of the eligibility requirement, exam pattern, and role of an ACP, read our article.

Overview of ACP

Who can become an ACP Officer?

Becoming an ACP whose full form is Assistant Commissioner of Police is a matter of pride and huge responsibility, and if you are ready to prosper your career in the police, then check the below-mentioned eligibility requirements before starting with the preparations.

• Age limit: Candidates should belong to the age group of 21 to 32 years. The reserved categories can get an age relaxation of up to 5 years.
• Educational Qualification: To work as an ACP, the aspirants should hold a graduation degree from any recognized university. Computer experience is taken as an additional advantage.
• UPSC Exam: Candidates who are applying through the UPSC exam need to clear all three levels to qualify for the post of ACP.
• Number of Attempts: The number of attempts depends on the category, for general candidates, a maximum attempt is 4, and 7 for the OBC while SC/ST candidates can avail unlimited attempts.
• Physical requirements: Candidates will be assessed based on height and chest breadth. For women, the eligible height is 155 cm while it’s 168cm for men. As far as the chest measurement is concerned, candidates need to have a chest breadth of more than 80cm.

An Overview of the Process to Become an ACP Officer

As you have already gathered an idea about the seniority of this position in IPS hence, there's no direct way to become an Assistant Commissioner of Police. To help to gain a better understanding of the process of becoming an ACP full of which is Assistant Commissioner of Police, we listed down the steps.

• The journey to becoming an ACP begins with preparing for the UPSC exam.
• Candidates need to select the IPS exam. 
• To sit for the IPS exam, candidates must be Indian citizens belonging to a minimum age of 21 years.
• Generally, IPS officers and the DSPs are eligible to get promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police.
• After successfully qualifying for the examination, candidates receive an offer letter and can join as an IPS officer.
• After spending a tenure of 10-15 years in police service, one can get the scope to become an ACP.

Details on UPSC Exam pattern for ACP Post

The first step to becoming an ACP is appearing in the exam conducted by UPSC for IPS. Those already working in the police force have to complete 15 years of dedicated service to get promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police. UPSC conducts the exam in three stages; prelims, mains and an interview session. 

• Preliminary Examination

The first stepping stone that paves the path towards ACP whose full form is Assistant Commissioner of Police is qualifying for the prelims. Candidates will get two hours to complete a question paper carrying 200 marks. In the prelims, the two papers will be based on general studies. As far as the question pattern is concerned, it will be an objective type. 

• Main Examination

After qualifying in the prelims, one can sit for the mains. There will be a total of six papers in the second stage. Candidates have to cover the syllabus on the Indian language, English language, essay and optional topics. 

• Interview

This is the final stage of becoming an IPS officer; so, candidates need to work really hard to achieve a good score. The interview will be taken by the commission official, and the total mark allotted will be 250. Based on the result, an appointment letter will be issued to the candidate. 

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of an ACP Officer?

An ACP officer is in charge of a police department which makes their position highly responsible and authoritative. If you aspire to work in the prestigious police department as an Assistant Commissioner, then go through the roles and responsibilities they must perform.

• An ACP whose full form is Assistant Commissioner of Police works in close association with the police commissioner and shares reports of every happenings related to criminal offenses.
• They are responsible for guiding and supervising the officers subordinate to them in maintaining law and order
• ACP needs to be present at the crime scene and conduct investigations. 
• Police departments have to take action and frame strategies to keep the crime rates under control, and an ACP reviews and comments on those initiatives.
• They are responsible to ensure the public in their designated area feels safe and secure.

Challenges Faced by an ACP

ACP’s role is crucial in the police department; however, at times, working in this daunting post brings forth a series of challenges. They generally function as a bridge between Indian police and the public which often requires handling critical situations. Let's understand the possible challenges faced by this senior official from the below points:

• Crime investigation: An important part of an assistant commissioner's duty is investigating crime. With the increasing rate of criminal offences and modernising tactics adopted by criminals, it becomes challenging for the officer to carry out an investigation due to adequate knowledge. These senior officials are not given the necessary training to undertake cybercrime or forensic examination. 
• Budgetary issues: Central and state governments invest a pretty limited amount in the Indian police department which acts as a stumbling block for ACPs to continue with investigation or other functions. 
• Limited manpower: Police departments face the problem of a lack of trained and qualified officers. ACPs are unable to function effectively in case the subordinate officers working under them are not resourceful enough or limited in number. 
• Weak infrastructure: As criminals have started resorting to high-grade firearms and weapons, ACPs undergo a severe challenge as the police department still lacks adequate resources in terms of weapons and modern ammunition, so that they can combat anti-social forces with effective power.

So, it can be concluded that an ACP plays a vital role in the swift operation of the police department. Candidates who dream to become an ACP whose full form is Assistant Commissioner of police need to work hard to qualify for the IPS exam. Well, the path to becoming ACP is not easy; however, hard work, education and knowledge regarding law and order can help an individual achieve the highest rank in the police.