CCD to undergo modernisation

Offices, police stations, residences to be built in every tehsil

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has decided to transform the Crime Control Department (CCD) into a 'premier investigation agency'.

According to a statement, the decision was taken in view of the department's performance and the public response to its operations. It was decided that the scope of the CCD would be expanded and it would be developed on the lines of the world's five leading crime control agencies.

The chief minister ordered that the CCD be equipped with modern forensic capabilities, investigative skills, technology, artificial intelligence-based software, intelligence surveillance systems and equipment to make it one of the most advanced law enforcement institutions in the country. The department will be provided modern tools for tracking and monitoring criminals.

She also approved the establishment of a fully equipped CCD headquarters with modern facilities. It was decided that CCD offices, police stations and residential facilities would be established in every division, district and tehsil of Punjab.

The chief minister also approved a province-wide campaign against illegal weapons after Eidul Fitr.

Officials said incidents of robbery had declined by 77 per cent compared to last year, while cases of mobile phone and bag snatching had decreased by 49%. Vehicle theft has dropped by 17%, attempted murder by 31%, and kidnapping for ransom by 45%.

The chief minister also approved the establishment of a modern research centre in the CCD, dedicated to developing new crime control strategies.

She also assigned the department the task of taking strict action against perpetrators of acid attacks on women.

Meanwhile, in her message on the International Day of Women Judges, the chief minister described the appointment of a woman chief justice of the Lahore High Court as a milestone.