Replacement of prison locks on cards

Directives issued after inspection of police units

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi police have been directed to immediately replace locks on all police stations, posts, lockups and the Bakhshi Khana, install stronger locks, inspect all handcuffs, and ensure that sentries and patrol staff deployed with SHOs wear bullet-proof jackets.

SHOs have also been strictly ordered to conduct patrols only in official vehicles, with GPS systems and tablets kept switched on at all times.

The newly posted SSP Operations, Malik Tariq Mehboob, has issued these directives, saying that if a suspect escapes from police custody or if a custodial death occurs, the matter will be dealt with utmost severity.

It has been learnt that after inspecting several units, SSP Malik Tariq Mehboob, who recently assumed charge, issued tough and urgent orders to Rawalpindi police, instructing all police stations and posts to immediately replace lockup locks.

He also sought details of the total number and condition of handcuffs present at all stations and posts.

The in-charge Bakhshi Khana has been told to replace the locks at the Katcheri Bakhshi Khana as well.

SHOs have been directed to check lockup cameras and send complete photographic proof of their functioning to the SP Office.

Officers have additionally been ordered to keep all DTS sets and the GPS and tablets installed in vehicles switched on 24 hours a day.

SSP Malik Tariq Mehboob further instructed that all sentries deployed at the lockup gate must wear bullet-proof jackets, while the muharrar must ensure that each sentry carries functional weapons with 120 rounds.

SHOs and post in-charges have also been told to visit their stations and posts along with the muharrar to check if any high-risk suspect is detained there. It has been made mandatory that armed sentries equipped with bullet-proof jackets be deployed on the lockup and police station roofs.

It has also been declared compulsory for SHOs to conduct patrols only in official vehicles. Gunmen on these vehicles must wear bullet-proof jackets and carry complete weapons and ammunition as per SOPs.

The SSP Operations has warned the entire police force that any escape from custody or death in custody will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face the harshest punishment.