The law requires State governments to set up SC and ST Protection Cells at their headquarters. This cell is headed by the Director of Police and Inspector General of Police of the State.(( Rule 8, Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995.))
The SC/ST Cells are supposed to:
- Conduct surveys of the identified area
- Maintain public order and tranquility in the identified area
- Recommend deployment of special police force or setting up of a special police force in an identified area
- Investigate about the probable causes leading to an offence under this special law
- Restore the feeling of security amongst the members of SCs and STs
- Inform the nodal and special officer about the law and order situation in an identified area
- Enquire about the investigation and spot inspections conducted by various officers
- Enquire about actions taken by the Superintendent of Police in cases where the police refused to register an FIR
- Enquire about the wilful negligence of public servants
- Review the position of cases registered under this law