Specialised Investigation Units made functional

ISLAMABAD: To combat human trafficking, cyber crime, white-collar crime and offences against women and children, Specialised Investigation Units of Islamabad Police formally started functioning on Tuesday

For the first time in the federal capital, an entire police station has been dedicated to the investigation of crimes other than conventional offenses.

Inaugurated by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Kaleem Imam at Ramna Police Station in sector G-11, the Specialised Investigation Units include Child Protection Unit, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Gender-Crime Investigation Unit, Cyber Crime Investigation Cell, Anti-White Collar Crime and Youth Anti-Crime Cell.

Imam said this was essential for proficiency and specialisation in handling cases that were otherwise being ignored.

“It is an era of professionalism, we have to develop specialised skills to handle various crimes. The law enforces must excel in their respective fields and continue efforts for positive change in the society,” he said.

The Gender Crime Unit and Child Protection Unit at Ramna Police will deal with women and child victims of violence. Through different campaigns, the units also aim to encourage the victims of violence to seek police assistance “without any reservations.”

The Child Protection Unit will particularly look into cases of child abuse, forced labour and exploiting children for various purposes like begging. The Gender Crime Unit will also be responsible for gathering data on gender related crimes and sending it all to the Gender Crime Centre at National Police Bureau for analysis and research.

All senior officers at the inauguration ceremony were briefed about the functions and formation of the units by the Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Saqib Sultan. The specialised units will be able to take up cases on their own initiative; however, relevant cases registered with other police stations can also be referred to them.

Talking to the media, Imam said that such specialised units in Islamabad police were imperative. He said they would go a long way to ensure public safety.

Some 500 policemen will be imparted training about child protection and basic rights by an international non-governmental organisation.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2010.