This study examines how leader–member exchange (LMX) and job stress affect the calibre of service provided by police personnel, considering the mediating effects of job satisfaction and the moderating effects of social support. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse data from 1,273 people from North India and 552 police personnel. According to the findings, job satisfaction acts as a buffer between job stress and the good effects of LMX on service quality. Particularly at moderate and higher levels, social support reduces the mediation effect of job satisfaction between LMX and service quality as well as between job stress and service quality. This study offers insights to improve service quality for Indian police personnel through the presentation of a comprehensive framework that tackles job stress, job satisfaction, LMX and social suppor