Welcome changes in policing

In a first, the graduating class of sub-inspectors in Punjab has been given training in fundamental human rights and policing of women, children and minorities. Part of the training has been overseen by retired judges to better educate police officers in case law, the Criminal Procedure Code and the penal code. Such training is a welcome initiative, especially given the times we live in. It could help bridge the gap between the state and citizens belonging to minority communities. Non-Muslims in Pakistan face daily persecution from casual harassment to increasingly extreme forms of violence, and the police are often the first point of contact in such situations. The manner in which the police treat citizens, therefore, has a lasting impact on the relationship people have with state institutions. Police personnel need to be aware of different religious groups, their customs and practices and learn to accept — and respect — diversity. Such training gains all the more relevance in light of the recent development in Lahore where a Christian locality was gripped by fear as a charged mob of hundreds tried to torch a church over allegations of blasphemy.

Training the police in fundamental human rights and policing of women and children is just as necessary. People often feel harassed or intimidated when dealing with the police, particularly when it comes to crimes against women and children. Police officials are often known to ask insensitive questions in such situations and indulge in character assassination of women that makes many hesitant to approach the police, especially where crimes of sexual violence are concerned. With a more sensitised police, we can eventually hope for more reporting of crime as well as less biased investigations. With little awareness about basic human rights in our society, many fundamental rights are suppressed in the name of tradition, leaving many unable to recognise what is due to them. A sustained effort to train the police with respect to human rights and civil liberties can also lead to a better informed citizenry.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^th, 2015.

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