Better communication: Cell to tackle complaints against police to be set up

Public meetings will be held twice a week to address grievances

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police have decided to establish a complaint cell to resolve public grievances against the force.

The decision was taken by Islamabad IGP Tariq Masood Yasin on Monday at a meeting to review policing measures in the city. The complaint cell will be headed by DIG Operations Kashif Alam and will review citizens’ complaints.

The Islamabad IGP ordered officials of the Operation Division to address complaints. He asked SSP Operations Sajid Kiani to hold an open meeting twice a week in different areas to hear these complaints.

The IG also appreciated a public meeting held by Kiani in Sector I-16 on Sunday.

The Islamabad police chief also directed zonal superintendents to hold public meetings and review cases under investigation in the presence of complainants and officers.

“Merit should be the only policy in making a decision about such cases,” he added. The IGP also ordered all station house officers to take action against those involved in crimes. “Nip the evil in the bud, otherwise criminals committing minor crimes will evolve into major criminals,” he maintained.

The IGP directed his force to focus on community policing measures and to bridge the gap between police and the public. He also asked them to ensure protection of the lives and property of citizens so that an air of mutual cooperation may be developed between the department and the people.

The IGP gave commendation certificates and cash prizes of Rs20,000 to personnel of the Islamabad Traffic Police for helping an elderly woman and asked them to continue working in the same stead.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2016.