Police high-handedness

Hubris and abuse of power are commonplace for persons in positions of authority, even if that so-called authority is granted to a position that exists for the purpose of serving citizens. Likewise is the case with our country’s police forces. On February 10, the antiterrorism courts issued directives to the Sindh inspector general of police (IGP) to execute an inquiry into 65 cases of police brutality in which 80 suspects were wounded. More recently, a judge presiding over the case rejected the IG’s March 13 report for the committee failing to conduct the inquiry as per orders. This is the type of scrutiny that should be experienced by all authoritative positions so as to revive accountability for a state entity’s actions and claims.

As per the descriptions, the IG report seems nebulous rather than a precise summary of why police aggression occurred in the highlighted cases, especially when many of the suspects were drug addicts possibly not in their full senses at the time of incident. Of course, the rulings will be left to the honourable courts and judges but police high-handedness needs a proactive response by society. Due process of law is frequently neglected, which entails granting suspects their rights. Ideally, a police force itself will employ system of accountability for its officers in the case that standard procedures are not followed. However, our reality is that we live with a politicised police force where civilians facing arrest can make quick phone calls and have handcuffs released on the spot. The seriousness by the courts is amenable for returning the police force to its true form. Part of the problem can be solved by depoliticising the police and holding officers accountable for failing to follow procedures. It is imperative for the IG to devise a procedure outlining legal consequences for officers who use unnecessary force against suspects — or officers who exculpate suspects because of political pressure. Police brutality and abuse of power must be done away with if civilians are to trust the police for their safety and well-being.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2017.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.