Maximum restraint: Do not shoot except in self-defence, IGP tells cops

New SOPs issued for cops at pickets, conducting snap checks and raids.

LAHORE: IGP Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera has issued new SOPs for policemen manning pickets, snap checking and conducting raids.

“In order to protect the lives, property and the integrity of citizens, policemen deployed at pickets cannot shoot unless there is an imminent threat to the life of an official… all officials deployed at pickets are required to adopt all possible preventive measures by using proper security equipment like bullet proof jackets, ballistic helmets, wireless sets and barriers during picketing duties,” The IGP said.

According to the SOP for pickets, snap checking, raids and patrolling, all field officers have been directed to avoid stationing trigger happy, ill, and emotionally disturbed cops at pickets. Policemen who are not properly trained in handling weapons will also not be deployed at pickets. They have been told not to issue weapons to short-tempered and aggressive policemen.

According to the new directions, field officers will also be responsible for arranging police darbar at police lines regularly to train police officials to be decent, courteous, and patient and to show maximum restraint while manning pickets. They will also ensure that the maximum duty hours of these officials do not exceed eight hours. Deployment of at least four cops to at each picket should be ensured, the SOP says. The field officers will also launch a comprehensive media campaign with a view to educate the public about their responsibilities as citizens and to raise awareness among people that pickets are placed for their security and protection.

The CCPO and RPOs, CPOs, DPOs, SPs, SDPOs and SHOs will be responsible for the implementation of the SOPs and will pay surprise visits to assess the state of preparedness. The decision was taken in view of the tragic incident in Rawalpindi in which two brothers were killed after a policeman shot at them for not stopping. A similar incident had occurred in Lahore last month.   

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12^th, 2015.