On alert: Police planning helpline for schools’ security

LAHORE:

Lahore Police would launch an emergency helpline for the security of schools next week.

“We have applied to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for a new helpline,” Operations DIG Haider Ashraf told The Express Tribune on Thursday.

“We have requested them to allot us the number 911 for the purpose.” He said schools would use the helpline to alert police in case of an emergency.

He said a ‘panic button’ would be placed at all schools; these have already been installed at schools in Cantonment. He said the buttons would be controlled from the offices of divisional SPs. The main control room would be at the DIG’s office.

Ashraf said schools had been divided into four categories – A+, A, B and C – in line with security threats they faced. He said schools had been asked to follow certain standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“These include raising the outer boundary walls of schools to up to nine feet, arranging walkthrough gates and barbed wires and appointing security guards.” He said police would soon train security guards of schools at Police Lines. “Police officers have been directed to meet school administrations in their areas and follow the SoPs. Action will be taken against those failing to adhere to these guidelines.” The DIG also chaired a meeting attended by Security SP Liaqat Malik, Headquarters SP Umer Saeed, Mujahid SP Zahid Marwat and Security DSP Pervaiz Butt.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2015.