Towards better policing: Anti-corruption banners don police stations

SSP promises to personally answer, address complaints against dirty cops

ISLAMABAD:

Islamabad Police’s new Operations SSP, Asmatullah Junejo, has launched a campaign to check corruption and address public complaints against the capiatal police.

In the campaign launched last week, the SSP has directed residents to contact him directly on his cell phone [phone]) in case of any complaint against the police. Banners have been placed outside all police stations asking the public to inform the SSP if a police official demands bribe or connives with lawbreakers.

“This phone will be with me at all times. I will directly attend the calls and keep the identity of the caller confidential,” he told The Express Tribune.



Junejo said he receives more than 60 calls every day from residents complaining against police officials at various police stations.

After receiving a complaint, the SSP conducts a preliminary inquiry and if an official is found guilty, he is issued a show-cause notice. Junejo said police officials will face disciplinary action and may be suspended from service if found guilty of gross crimes.

The senior superintendent will conduct raids against police officers who are accused of being involved in narcotics trade or other illegal activities.



“So far, I have received complaints against 100 police officers and of them nine have been dismissed,” he said.

Junejo hoped the campaign would discourage corrupt police officials and increase public trust in the force.

“I cannot tolerate any police officer misusing his power or victimising people who visit police stations to get justice,” he said.

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