Both the police and the public will have to take responsibility to steer society out of this menacing situation.
JAMSHORO: Crime control depends on the conviction rate and the conviction rate, to a great extent, relies on criminal investigation. The police operation and criminal investigation rests with technical training and people’s cooperation and people’s cooperation hinges upon confidence. It is regrettable to note that the police appear to have lost the layman’s confidence. The people of Hyderabad are highly concerned about the increasing incidents of street crimes, including extortion, as the law and order situation is deteriorating by the day.
Both the police and the public will have to take responsibility to steer society out of this menacing situation. Police officers should hold public meetings fortnightly at the police station level to discuss crimes, public complaints and hot spots in their respective jurisdiction. The 15 Madadgar police service centres should be given sufficient staff to make them more proactive. FIRs should be lodged against criminals irrespective of political or religious affiliation. People should install street lights on their streets, keep an eye out for suspicious-looking people and activities and report to the officers, whereas the police should ensure timely response. It is the duty of the people and the business community to cooperate with the police legally and morally. Another cause of trust deficit is the thana culture, which should be eliminated and police officials should established a rapport with the community and make people realise that the police are part of their society and are there to solve their problems.
Hassan Shaikh
Published in The Express Tribune, January 1st, 2014.
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