IGP orders installation of CCTV cameras at all police stations

Officials directed to integrate the system with the central police office’s control room

LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General Police (IGP) Arif Nawaz Khan ordered that CCTV cameras be installed inside lockups of all 722 police stations in Punjab to curb incidents of torture in custody.

The IGP also directed officials to integrate the system with the central police office’s monitoring and control room for the effective monitoring of these cameras. The IGP issued these directions to all RPOs, CPOs and DPOs.

It was also ordered that RPOs and DPOs undertake the process of installing CCTV cameras in all police stations located in the districts of the province under their supervision without any delay. He added that all RPOs should ensure that these cameras are monitored round-the-clock.

The IGP expressed his displeasure over the illegal detention of citizens and officials abusing their power. He stated that those abusing their power and using high handedness will not remain a part of the police force. Such officials and officers should be ready for strict disciplinary action, he said.

He directed field officers to adopt a zero tolerance policy against officers responsible for torturing citizens in police custody and directed them to hold such individuals accountable for their actions. He said that such irresponsible officials will be strictly punished under the internal accountability system in order to set an example for the rest of the force.

He directed officers to speed up the process of conducting surprise visits at police stations and to also monitor dealings with citizens who come to the stations for resolutions of their grievances so that complaints regarding the stern behaviour of the police can be curbed.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2019.