Police patrol cars
The unprecedented surge in street crimes in Karachi has forced officials to think outside the box and resort to innovative techniques to address the situation. The DIG South has proposed the introduction of smart cars or ‘Police Patrol Cars’ equipped with technology such as high-powered cameras and search devices to not just aid anti-crime operations but also create a sense of security among citizens.
The fact remains that modern technology can only be effectively utilised if a strong foundational system exists. The police remain a highly corrupt and negligent institution that is found mostly colluding with crime breakers rather than capturing them. This culture has indeed trickled down from the very top, where LEA officials have failed to reform the police system and use whatever little resources available for their own personal gain. In such a situation, smarts cars will mostly also be used to improve accountability, and more police officers will come under the purview of the law. It must be considered that smart cars will be costly and require excessive care, which police units will not be able to manage considering the dilapidated condition of existing police vehicles. It must also be ascertained as to whether enough officers know how to operate such technology.
The introduction of smart cars will indeed help improve the situation, but not considerably. It would be better served to use such funds and invest in grassroots development before turning to such innovative ideas. A long-term reformation approach must be utilised to curb street crimes while also strengthening the institution. If the project does get the green light, then officials must pre-prepare for drawbacks as criminals in other countries have found ways, such as tipping over these smart cars, as a form of resistance.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 4th, 2022.
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