RPO Multan hopes changes will restore peoples’ trust

Says efforts are being made to bridge gap between police and the masses

MULTAN:  

Every civilised society has a police force of its own to counter terrorist activities and nab criminals. Its main objective is to maintain peace and protect the lives and property of citizens. However, in the absence of an organised police force, the situation could result in chaos in a society. Well-equipped, organised and community-oriented policing deters thieves, robbers and other criminals.

The Express Tribune contacted Multan Regional Police Officer (RPO) Waseem Ahmad Khan Sial to take his opinion on the prevailing law and order situation.

The RPO said the traditional police system in Pakistan has neither fully fulfilled people’s hopes nor met modern needs. He said it was originated in the British colonial era in the undivided subcontinent as an instrument of imperial control and subjugation.

“The police system has remained notorious for excessive use of force, as well as coercion in investigation and control of riots. However, changes are taking place now. Forensic science is being resorted to and the need for community policing is being stressed,” he added.

He claimed he has taken the initiative in Multan region regarding introduction of public-oriented police force.

When asked about the role of community policing for good governance, the official highlighted that peace, law and order cannot be ensured without the inclusion of common people. “The involvement of the community in law and order and crime prevention dispels the fears of the police from people’s minds and increases their willingness to cooperate,” he said.

Waseem Seyal pointed out that many cases are resolved at community councils where the police are stakeholders.
About the structural reforms to maintain law and order in the region, the Multan RPO said that the two-fold objective of the reforms is to bridge the gap between the police and public by removing public fears and misgivings. He added it was important to involve the community in the resolution of petty affairs to reduce the load on the force. “The ultimate goal is to check crimes and maintain peace,” he remarked.
He elaborated that an immediate response system has been introduced. “To live up to the expectations of the people, police vehicles have been dedicated for 15 immediate response service and the registration of cases as a follow-up has been ensured,” he said.

The RPO said the beat system has been revived for the prevention and eradication of crimes and criminals, while the intelligence network has been made more effective to apprehend criminals before a crime is committed.
Seyal continued that steps had been taken to counter illegal land occupation as such cases spark violence and other crime. “The police, with the help of the community, should also work on the elimination of the causes of crime.”

Waseem responded that strict action would be taken against police touts who promote bribery and deny people direct access to officers.
The RPO believed the communication gap between police and the masses would be bridged with the assurance of direct access to public. “Telephone numbers have been dedicated to the RPO and district police offices to provide information about crimes and criminals. The informer’s name would be kept secret due to security reasons. These numbers are being advertised by all available means,” he noted.

He said centres have been set up in hospitals for public convenience and they issue medical dockets. Driving schools and centeres were also being established at the tehsil level to facilitate the masses, while district dispute resolution committees are being formed to ease the burden on the force, said.
Meanwhile, Civil Society Network President Advocate Faheem Gill said structural reforms introduced by the Multan RPO would produce the desired results if introduced at the provincial and national level.

He added transfers and promotion of police personnel on a political basis might lead to the distrust among the people. Gill added the government should formulate a policy incorporating the steps taken by Waseem Sial and the public should take the ownership of this programme to bring about a change.