Unannounced visit: IG visits two police stations, finds both SHOs missing

Shahzad Town, Khanna SHOs reprimanded for absence

ISLAMABAD: New inspector general (IG) of the Islamabad Police Khalid Khattak on Friday dropped by two police stations unannounced and found the SHOs at both missing.

“The IG was upset by the absence of Shahzad Town and Khanna SHOs and reprimanded them,” said a police official. He said the visit panicked police officials at the stations.

The police chief inspected station records, especially attendance sheets, and directed both SHOs to enhance efforts to reduce and to ensure their staffers interact with the public politely. “Misbehaviour with complainants would not be tolerated,” Khattak said.

Sources said Khattak found the performance of both SHOs unsatisfactory. They said a show-cause notice was also served on Shahzad Town SHO Qaiser Niaz Gilani due to the high crime rate in his jurisdiction.

A total of 22 robberies were reported at the police station last year, in addition to 11 kidnappings, nine murders and 64 unlicensed arms cases.

Khanna Police Station was established last year. It reported 19 robberies, four murders and 57 unlicensed arms cases since being set up.

An official who accompanied the IG said surprise inspections will continue and the performance of all stations will be monitored regularly.

There are 22 police stations in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

The force has been facing staff shortages for many years. Officials said recruitment has not been done for a few years, and a number of cops are already deputed with VVIPs.

Khattak was appointed IG on January 8, replacing Tahir Alam Khan, who had reached mandatory retirement age.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2016.