By: Sajjad Nekokara
It is a fundamental duty of a state to provide its people with security of life, liberty, and property. While other public facilities are necessary for thriving; protection is necessary for survival. The police exist for the maintenance of law and order in a society. Public acknowledgment of the police’s role in sustaining peace in a society boosts the confidence of the force. By gaining public trust, the police can ensure the observance of the law. In Pakistan, the police force is perceived as inefficient, corrupt, unprofessional, brutal, and politicized. It is also said that any bid to undertake reforms has proved to be futile.
Since Dr. Muhammad Usman Anwar has taken charge as Inspector General of the Punjab police, he is doing laudable work for the welfare of the Public and Constabulary as well. Several steps have been taken by Dr Usman to improve the image of police across the province. The establishment of Tahaffuz Marakiz and the appointment of Trans-victim support officers are truly positive steps. The purpose behind these Tahaffuz Marakaz is to make it a place for protection and facilitation for the vulnerable groups of society. It is a remarkable act to inculcate a sense of self-worth in the marginalized segments of society. IGP has conveyed a clear message that the police is not a force it’s a service. He replaced the traditional ‘Thana’ Culture with service-oriented police stations. The establishment of Special Initiative Police Stations (SIPS) is a commendable step in this regard. It is an admirable effort to upgrade all the 737 police stations in the province. Another feather in his cap is that he has tried to bridge the gap between the public and the police. He focuses on community policing initiatives and has enhanced public awareness about police service delivery. Furthermore, IGP Complaint Center 1787 is also a praiseworthy step to redress the grievances of people. One of the initiatives of the Punjab Police is the establishment of an integrated IGP Police Complaint Center. Previously the complaints were received through post or a person had to travel to Lahore to submit his complaint in person at the Inspector General of Police office. This initiative aims at receiving complaints through SMS and voice calls on a short code (1787). Moreover, complaints are also received online as well as through emails.
Under IGP’s stewardship, the Punjab Police has been developed on modern lines. Police service centers across the province have provided fast and efficient service to the citizens. Thousands of officers have been promoted according to merit and seniority which in turn would boost the morale of the police force. The health screening of the force is completed, vaccination is going on and bravery medals are being distributed for successful completion of dangerous operations. IGP has announced a special package for the employees who were martyred in terror incidents and encounters with dacoits. The funds of Rs120 crores have been approved for the martyrs as well as the police employees who died during service. If the families of any police officer in the Punjab visit the police office, they are treated as special guests. Dr. Usman Anwar awarded 160 officers with cash prizes of more than 58 lakhs and certificates of appreciation.
Police performance is inextricably linked with professionalism which can only come through effective training. The overall training programs emphasize rigorous physical exercises but the intellectual capabilities of the officers are sharpened through modern techniques. The training academies should be given additional resources and support. The training schedule should be adjusted to the demands of the time and the challenges being faced by the Pakistani police. Skills rather than extensive legal studies should be taught. Self-study, report-writing, researching, presentation, and communication skills should also be given due importance in training programs. Research methodology must get a place in the training programs of senior officers like ASP and DSP.
There is a need to more focus on victim support and trauma-informed policing. Victim support has emerged as a pivotal aspect of addressing the crime and trauma. As society’s awareness of the profound impact of these experiences grows, there has been a shift towards acknowledging victims as individuals who need assistance. This shift has led to various initiatives aimed at addressing the emotional, psychological, and practical needs of victims. As the use of social media is increasing, we need smarter police to grapple with cyber, financial, and organized crimes. We need active, energetic, efficient, and smart police officers who have a passion for serving the nation. Let us hope for a bright future of police service.
The writer is a lawyer. He can be reached at [email protected]