The full form of PAC is the Provincial Armed Constabulary. The Pradeshik Armed Constabulary is another name for it. PAC is the armed police force of Uttar Pradesh, which was established to avoid the Army’s routine deployment during critical law-and-order crises. The PAC also works closely with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Border Security Force (BSF), to ensure a coordinated response to threats and challenges.
The Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) is a specialized armed police force that operates in various states across India. It maintains law and order and supports local police forces in times of crisis. Although it was created for the State of Uttar Pradesh, it now provides services all over the nation. 33 battalions, 3 zones, and 7 sectors make up the PAC. Due to a paucity of personnel, only 225 of the 273 companies that make up the 33 battalions are currently operational.
The various zones of the PAC are responsible for maintaining law and order within their designated geographical areas. Each zone is led by a senior police officer and staffed by personnel trained in weapons and crowd control techniques. The PAC personnel carry weapons such as rifles, shotguns, and tear gas to maintain law and order and respond to emergencies. The PAC comprises personnel from various ethnic and martial groups, including Bhumihars, Rajputs, Yadavs, Tyagis, Jats, Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Lodhs, Ahirs, and Gujjars.
PAC Full Form: History of PAC Forces
The Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (UP-PAC) was established in 1937 to organise a police force with 7,000 personnel using military techniques. It initially used to run on landlords’ and businessmen’s donations.
The Rajputs and Bhumihars from the Eastern part of the state, known as Poorvanchal, are the primary members of PAC. Over the years, the UP-PAC grew in size, adding new battalions, mostly from Bhumihars, Rajputs, and Yadavs from Purvanchal, Tyagis and Jats from Meerut, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, and Bulandshahr.
PAC Full Form: Aims and Objectives
Here are some of the main objectives of PAC:
- To lessen the damage and loss of lives caused by both natural and man-made disasters.
- To provide instruction in rescue and relief efforts using the resources at hand in the flood-affected areas.
- To collaborate with other aid organizations to provide quick help.
- To train students and teachers in schools or colleges for protection against disasters
- To provide training to units of police like PAC and Traffic Police related to rescue and relief from disasters
- To create groups of volunteers through awareness programs that can do rescue work during the disasters
It is actively involved in the rescue and relief work in the following types of disasters:
- Flood and Water Logging
- Geological and Earthquake disasters
- Chemical and Nuclear Disasters
- Biological and other accidents
One of the key responsibilities of the PAC is to maintain order during large-scale events, such as elections, festivals, and public gatherings. They also play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security during civil unrest. Additionally, PAC is also capable of responding to natural disasters and other emergencies.
PAC Full Form: Functions of PAC
The functions of PAC are listed below:
- The primary role of the PAC is to maintain law and order in the state, respond to emergencies, and support local police.
- It is typically assigned to protect VIPs.
- During celebrations, elections, sporting events, fairs, and natural calamities, to preserve peace and order.
- It is also used to control the outbreak of labour or students unions' unrest or protest, planned crime, communal riots.
- It also participates in anti-terrorism operations.
PAC Full Form: Important Features of PAC
The Indian Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) possesses the subsequent attributes:
- The PAC is structured and trained in a military manner. It places a great focus on order and discipline and has an open chain of command.
- Rifles, shotguns, and tear gas can be used by its staff to keep the public in line.
- The PAC's main responsibilities are to support local law enforcement, handle crises, and uphold state law and order.
- Based on geographic regions, the PAC includes zones, each led by a senior police officer.
- To guarantee the safety and security of the state's residents, it collaborates closely with other security organizations, such as the Indian Army.
- The personnel of the PAC are drawn from a diverse range of ethnic and martial backgrounds, such as the Bhumihars, Rajputs, Yadavs, Tyagis, Jats, Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Lodhs, Ahirs, and Gujjars.
The PAC is essential to India's defense system. One of India's most reputable and successful law enforcement organizations is the PAC, because to its commitment and professionalism.
PAC Structure and Organization
The PAC has been divided into a number of battalions. In each of the battalions there are equally a number of companies. The Uttar Pradesh Police leads the force, and the system of hierarchy is mostly similar to that of the other paramilitary forces of India. Every battalion in the PAC has a Commandant. Other officers are held at different ranks.
There exist different types of PAC units, and their areas of specialty also vary. Some are specialized in riot control, while others specialize in disaster management or counter-insurgency. This empowered the PAC to organize the sending of specific units based on the nature of the crisis.
Recruitment and Training in PAC
Unlike other police and paramilitary forces of India, recruitment into the PAC is selective. Applicants undergo physical fitness tests, written exams, and medical evaluation. Newly recruited officers are then put through broad training processes which include:
- Physical Training: To prepare personnel for working under extreme mental pressure as well as grueling physical conditions.
- Arms and Ammunition Handling Techniques and Tactics: Providing them with the required techniques to handle arms, riot control equipment, and other weapons necessary for the job.
- Disaster Management Skills: Methods of rescue, evacuation, relief work in natural or manmade calamities.
- Crowd Control and Riot Management: Methods of dealing with large crowds and volatile circumstances through minimal use of force.
- Training is part of the career of a PAC officer who is kept abreast through their entire career of latest techniques and strategies of law enforcement.
Role and Contribution of PAC
The PAC has played an important role in maintaining law and order in Uttar Pradesh, especially when swift action and tough security are required. The key contributions that the PAC has made include the following:
- Reduced Tension in Sensitive Areas During High-Profile Events: Even during election, festival, or protest scenarios, enforcement of PAC minimizes chaos in sensitive areas.
- Communal Tensions at Bay: In many cases, the PAC managed communal clashes, thus bridging differences and reducing the risk of casualties.
- Disaster Response and Relief: The force has been appreciated for its natural disaster management and has provided timely relief to the people and initiated the recovery process.
- Supporting Counter-Terrorism Operations: PAC units had been involved in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, hence contributing towards state and national security.
Challenges Confronted by PAC
Despite its importance, PAC confronts several challenges:
- Resource constraints-the situation that usually befalls most government forces-often encompasses the PAC.
- Modernization Needs: Modernization of the force with modern equipment and technical aids to efficiently manage the contemporary security challenges.
- Human Resource Shortages: The human and societal dynamics are such that the population of Uttar Pradesh is very substantial and the internal security challenges so extensively spread, the PAC often remains under much stress.
Future of PAC
Their role is sure to grow with Uttar Pradesh growing economically and in its population. Modernisation, better training, and resource allocation will be required to build up the PAC to match the coming challenges. Technology, including drones and digital communication systems, may also be incorporated into the PAC.
