Q 1.

With reference to the role of Special Police Officers (SPOs) in India's internal security framework, consider the following statements:

1. Special Police Officers may be appointed under the Police Act, 1861, to perform police-related duties when required.
2. SPOs are automatically members of the Indian Police Service and enjoy the same service conditions as regular IPS officers.
3. SPOs may assist regular police forces in local intelligence gathering and security operations.
4. The appointment of SPOs implies that the armed forces can transfer their constitutional policing powers to them.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?