New Punjab IGP warns police against brutality
Says officers involved in such cases will not escape punishment
PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE:
The newly-appointed IGP Shoaib Dastagir chalked out his policy before the top brass of the force at the RPO conference at the Central Police Office (CPO). One of the main topics of discussion was the need for the police to rebuild public trust and put an end to custodial deaths
Recently, the Punjab Police went through a major reshuffle. At least six officers were surrendered to the Establishment Division in Islamabad. Four RPOs, a CCPO, DIG Operations Lahore and many DPOs were transferred.
All RPOs, CPOs, DPOs and Additional IG operations Inam Ghani, along with other officers of the Central Police Office, were present in the meeting. The IG issued directions to officers on professional objectives and policy guidelines.
Major policy guidelines put forward by IGP focused on the protection of lives and the wealth of people, supremacy of law, internal accountability, merit policy, public complaints, preventing torture and illegal detention, investigation and others.
However, critics were quick to point out that tall promises are made whenever a new police chief takes charge. During the meeting, he said that the protection of lives and the wealth of the people were the true objective of the force. He added whoever ensures these objectives will remain the part of his team.
He stressed the enhancement of public service delivery and internal accountability. “If we make the internal accountability system stronger and ensure the best public service delivery, no one will need to point fingers at us,” he said.
He made it clear to newly posted RPOs and DPOs that they should take the best output from their subordinates because those who do not observe a merit-based policy or deviate from guidelines will have to face strict accountability. He warned they would also be removed from their designations.
He made it clear that ill behaviour towards citizens, abuse and illegal detention shall not be tolerated at any cost. He added there will be no delay in taking stern departmental actions against such officers.
Over the last few months, Punjab police drew the public ire after repeated incidents of abuse of authority flashed on social media. He added the resolution of issues and grievances of the public should be the police’s top priority as it was important to rebuild the trust between the public and police.
He also asked to adopt community policing and said that the cooperation of the public is a basic element in eliminating crimes. The new police chief suggested those who complain about the noncooperation of the public need to do some introspection.
He further added that the action of the police can only be beneficial when the crime rate reduces considerably.
“It is therefore directed to RPOs CPOs and DPOs to spend most of the time in the field instead of sitting in their offices. They must also monitor the progress of investigation officers and ensure the implementation of laws.”
He further stressed that inspection of police stations and offices should be thorough. Inspection should be inspection and it should be done from every angle. Not only cleanliness, paint and renovation, but the performances of staff should be taken into consideration to identify their intentional and unintentional mistakes.”
The IG, while addressing officers, said newly-posted officials have been selected on the basis of their past performance and reputation. He assured the designations will be held by them as long as they ensure public service delivery and positive results.
He further said all officers should monitor their subordinates, especially the working of SDPOs, pay surprise visits to police stations so that the issues of the people may be resolved.
He said officers and officials who misuse their uniform will have to face accountability and their faces will be uncovered.
He continued senior officers should take a personal interest in the working of investigation officers to improve the system of investigation.
He also suggested in-depth studies of the facts of a case before submitting a challan in court. He stressed no stone should be left unturned to get the criminals punished strictly.
He added police torture, illegal detention or death under police arrest are not acceptable and officials found guilty of such practices will be held accountable.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 1st, 2019.
The newly-appointed IGP Shoaib Dastagir chalked out his policy before the top brass of the force at the RPO conference at the Central Police Office (CPO). One of the main topics of discussion was the need for the police to rebuild public trust and put an end to custodial deaths
Recently, the Punjab Police went through a major reshuffle. At least six officers were surrendered to the Establishment Division in Islamabad. Four RPOs, a CCPO, DIG Operations Lahore and many DPOs were transferred.
All RPOs, CPOs, DPOs and Additional IG operations Inam Ghani, along with other officers of the Central Police Office, were present in the meeting. The IG issued directions to officers on professional objectives and policy guidelines.
Major policy guidelines put forward by IGP focused on the protection of lives and the wealth of people, supremacy of law, internal accountability, merit policy, public complaints, preventing torture and illegal detention, investigation and others.
However, critics were quick to point out that tall promises are made whenever a new police chief takes charge. During the meeting, he said that the protection of lives and the wealth of the people were the true objective of the force. He added whoever ensures these objectives will remain the part of his team.
He stressed the enhancement of public service delivery and internal accountability. “If we make the internal accountability system stronger and ensure the best public service delivery, no one will need to point fingers at us,” he said.
He made it clear to newly posted RPOs and DPOs that they should take the best output from their subordinates because those who do not observe a merit-based policy or deviate from guidelines will have to face strict accountability. He warned they would also be removed from their designations.
He made it clear that ill behaviour towards citizens, abuse and illegal detention shall not be tolerated at any cost. He added there will be no delay in taking stern departmental actions against such officers.
Over the last few months, Punjab police drew the public ire after repeated incidents of abuse of authority flashed on social media. He added the resolution of issues and grievances of the public should be the police’s top priority as it was important to rebuild the trust between the public and police.
He also asked to adopt community policing and said that the cooperation of the public is a basic element in eliminating crimes. The new police chief suggested those who complain about the noncooperation of the public need to do some introspection.
He further added that the action of the police can only be beneficial when the crime rate reduces considerably.
“It is therefore directed to RPOs CPOs and DPOs to spend most of the time in the field instead of sitting in their offices. They must also monitor the progress of investigation officers and ensure the implementation of laws.”
He further stressed that inspection of police stations and offices should be thorough. Inspection should be inspection and it should be done from every angle. Not only cleanliness, paint and renovation, but the performances of staff should be taken into consideration to identify their intentional and unintentional mistakes.”
The IG, while addressing officers, said newly-posted officials have been selected on the basis of their past performance and reputation. He assured the designations will be held by them as long as they ensure public service delivery and positive results.
He further said all officers should monitor their subordinates, especially the working of SDPOs, pay surprise visits to police stations so that the issues of the people may be resolved.
He said officers and officials who misuse their uniform will have to face accountability and their faces will be uncovered.
He continued senior officers should take a personal interest in the working of investigation officers to improve the system of investigation.
He also suggested in-depth studies of the facts of a case before submitting a challan in court. He stressed no stone should be left unturned to get the criminals punished strictly.
He added police torture, illegal detention or death under police arrest are not acceptable and officials found guilty of such practices will be held accountable.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 1st, 2019.