Station house officers (SHO) and investigating officers would face the music if they fail to solve at least five cases lodged at their police stations within a month.

After meeting SHOs and deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) on Wednesday, Patna SSP Jitender Rana said the pile-up of cases would have to be reduced.

“Instructions have been given to all DSPs to monitor activities in police stations under their command. If an SHO or an investing officer fails to solve less than five cases in a month, they should be ready for punishment. Investigating officers who would be able to solve more than 10 cases a month would be rewarded,” the SSP said. The DSPs have been asked to visit police stations under their jurisdiction everyday for at least two hours, go through files and check status of the cases.

“The DSPs should start taking initiatives and shoulder more responsibilities. They would have to ensure that police stations under them are functioning in the right way. Those not following directives will face punishment. SHOs and DSPs should ensure that number of pending cases should come down below 1,000 within three months,” the SSP said.

The officer added: “Each police station should prepare a list of 30 wanted criminals and submit it to headquarters. It should be ensured that all are arrested within 30 days. The DSPs should call up either the SSP or the city superintendent of police everyday and inform them about developments. The different areas should have boards, which should display the number of the SHOs and senior officers. Any cop found sleeping during patrolling would face punishment.”