Annual conference: Women police - braving challenges old and new

Outdated methods, lack of resources hindering performance.

ISLAMABAD:

Dupattas pinned neatly to the shoulder, women police officials in crisp uniforms are fighting not just external but internal battles. At an annual women police conference on Tuesday, some of them shared the challenges they face.

Police official Nighat Mujtaba said there was a dire need to use technology to investigate cases.  “We’re known to reach the crime spot much later than we should. We do not have enough vehicles available; if there is a vehicle, it needs to be refueled.”

There is often just one or a few computers installed in departments and even fewer trained staff to operate them, she added.



There has been an increase in the number of trainings that was educating police officials in first aid, investigation techniques and community policing. However, physical infrastructure required by the police is lacking.

Bushra Parveen from the traffic police said while going home late at night, transport is an issue for even police officials.  I feel a crippling sense of insecurity when I have to catch a cab to return home.

“I always note down the taxi number and though I’m exhausted I stay alert.” “If the taxi driver tries to change the route, I’m prepared to jump out of a moving car,” she added.

The number of women entering the police forces is on the rise said Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Additional Director General Liaquat Ali Khan.

For 20 positions, on an average, we receive 200 to 300 applications from cities and the figures are higher in case of rural areas, he added.

Going on a tangent, he said the media should be sensitised on reporting rape cases. “The family is exposed to the whole world through the media which makes it harder for them to relocate.”

Media highlights crimes in such a way that victims are further victimised, he added.



US embassy Narcotics Affairs Programme Coordinator Noman Khizer said 50 women under went a six day first aid and a two week institutional development course. “Training of FIA officials is under consideration.”

In a patriarchal society, society eyes women police officials with a different lens when they step out of their homes to work, explained Gender Specialist Maleeha Hussain.

“There is a sense of fear among people, while going to a police station for help. Most cases go unreported due to families trying to safeguard their modesty”

The annual professional women police conference was organised by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement in collaboration with the US embassy.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2014.