Call for proactive steps against rising crime

Authorities urge probes based on scientific evidence to ensure convictions

RAWALPINDI:

In the wake of an alarming surge in the crime rate across Punjab, the monitoring cell overseeing the police investigation department has advocated for proactive policing through preventive measures implemented at the district level.

Expressing concern over the soaring crimes relative to the population in recent times, the police monitoring cell emphasised investigations based on scientific evidence to ensure convictions.

In this regard, Punjab DIG Investigation Monitoring Cell, Muntazar Mehdi, on behalf of the Additional IG Investigation, has written a letter on the subject “Increase in the ratio of crime cases per 0.1 million of the population during 2002-2003 in Punjab” to Rawalpindi RPO, Syed Khurram Ali, and other regional police chiefs throughout the province.

The contents of the letter, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, emphasized conducting thorough investigations with scientific evidence to ensure convictions, particularly by tightening the noose around criminals, including those wanted. It recommended that Section 75 of the Pakistan Penal Code be incorporated into cases to impose severe penalties.

The letter outlined that, as per the competent authority’s instructions, an analysis of property-related cases (such as robbery, robbery and murder, car hijacking, vehicle theft, and burglary) was conducted proportionally to the population.

According to the analysis for 2022, 145,600 property crime cases were registered out of a total population of 127.4 million. In 2023, this figure rose to 254,270 cases in a population exceeding 127.6 million.

It urged the police officers to pay special attention to the prevailing situation, saying they were expected to contribute to controlling property crimes by conducting thorough and quality investigations.

Read: Crime rate continues to skyrocket

The letter also highlighted the authority’s desire for precautionary measures to prevent incidents of crime. It advocated for adopting a proactive policy to control crime, taking action against repeat offenders, and ensuring arrests.

Moreover, the letter called for improving the ratio of punishment in crimes through scientific evidence-based investigations and vigorous prosecution.

It recommended making identification parades mandatory and including Section 75 of the PPC in cases. Sub-divisional police officers were also directed to visit crime scenes and compile diaries.

Similarly, RPOs and CCPOs were urged to personally address the matter, with SP Investigation, SDPOs, and SHOs instructed to work in line with the provided directives. This collective effort aims to reduce the incidence of crimes and provide an atmosphere of peace and security for the common citizens.

In light of the increasing complexity of modern crimes, the letter calls for the incorporation of advanced technology and data-driven approaches in investigations. This includes the utilisation of surveillance systems, predictive policing models, and forensic analysis to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of criminal probes.

Furthermore, the letter highlights the importance of training and capacity building for law enforcement personnel to keep pace with evolving criminal tactics.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2024.