NYPD offers to train Sindh police

22-member delegation shares challenges of controlling muggers, traffic management

KARACHI:

A delegation of Pakistani American Law Enforcement Society (PALES) of the New York Police Department (NYPD) comprising 22 members called on Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and discussed the policing systems and shared their experiences.

During the meeting, the PALES team offered the chief minister to train Sindh police in dealing with street crime, petty crimes, intelligence work, traffic management, and vigilance.

The delegation led by Rohail Khalid, consists of the officers of different police departments including Integrity Control, Traffic Enforcement, Intelligence, Training Bureau, Identification Bureau, Patrol and others.

Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, IG Police Ghulam Mabi Memon, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh and others were also present in the meeting.

The CM discussed the issue of terrorism in Karachi, which he attributed to the Afghan war and regional politics. He acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by the personnel of police and law enforcement agencies to eliminate terrorism in the area. The CM further highlighted the challenge of street crime in the city, against which the police and Rangers have initiated operations. He also mentioned that the government was working on amending laws to utilise technology in dealing with repeat criminals.

The delegation members emphasised that only a small group of 10 per cent of the population was responsible for committing crimes against 90 per cent of the populace they were living with. They suggested, a strategic should be devised so that criminals would know they were being watched. This way they would avoid committing crimes.

The delegation members also agreed with the CM on the importance of using technology to curb crimes.

The chief minister appreciated the offer and directed the Inspector General of Police to examine the proposal and submit a plan for sending police officers to New York for training.

The delegation later met with IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon at the Central Police Office (CPO) Karachi.

Emphasizing the importance of advancing policing strategies aligned with global standards, IG Memon highlighted the significant strides made by the Sindh Police in leveraging modern technology to address criminal activities effectively.

The visiting delegation commended the Sindh Police's utilization of geo-fencing and tracking systems to combat criminals. Recognizing the shared challenges faced by metropolitan cities like New York and Karachi, the delegation underscored the similarities in their approaches to maintaining law and order.

President PALES expressed optimism about potential collaborations between the Sindh Police and the New York Police Department, particularly in combating street crime, drug trafficking, and auto theft.

As a testament to their commitment to fostering mutual cooperation, it was agreed upon to designate DIG Headquarters and IT as focal points for facilitating collaborative efforts between the two departments.

In a gesture of goodwill, officers from the New York Police Department presented IG Sindh with badges and souvenirs, symbolizing the strengthening bond between the law enforcement agencies of Karachi and New York.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2024.