SHO stands for Station House Officer. SHO is the head or officer in charge of a police station of a locality. He supervises the functioning of police station and is responsible for maintaining the law and order in his area.
He ranks above a Sub-Inspector (SI) and below a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). His rank insignia is three stars and a red and blue stripped ribbon on his shoulder strap. A team of Sub-inspector, Head Constable and Constables works under him.
He has the authority to conduct investigation of crimes in his area and to appear in the court on behalf of his police station.