Case for using police in disaster management

To prepare police for challenges during disasters, it should be trained in life-saving skills as well as fire-fighting

The recent torrential rains and floods have not only raised questions regarding the efficacy of disaster management agencies and the civil administration, they have also enhanced curiosity regarding the police’s role in such situations. Being protectors of life and property, the police cannot be excused from its universal role, but in Pakistan, we hardly ever see it perform an active role in disaster management.

Though Articles 4(a) and 4(2a) of the Police Order 2002 explain duties of the police when it comes to protection of life and property, and provision of relief to people in distress, mere incorporation into law of these duties is not enough. There is a dire need to synchronise training of the police with the laws incorporated into the Police Order 2002 so that the disaster management function can be adopted as one of the primary functions of the police.



The question arises: what is the logic of inclusion of the police in the disaster management apparatus? Universally, there is an increased realisation that there are logical reasons for the utilisation of manpower and resources of the police in such situations. Since the police has a presence in all areas and is familiar with local terrain, it is in a better position to immediately react as first responders and also guide rescue teams. It should also be noted that police stations have wireless networks at their disposal; therefore, in situations where telephonic facilities are disrupted, wireless communication may be the quickest and perhaps, the only way to share information. Right now, in practice, police wireless networks are not used to the optimum level that is required to assess and manage emergency services. Since the police has knowledge of the area affected, it can guide disaster management agencies when it comes to identifying buildings where the affected population can be housed and relief goods can be stored and distributed. It can also share vehicles and allocate a dedicated wireless channel to disaster management bodies and volunteers.

The police is often either reduced to the status of a spectator or merely acts as a reporting agency. Our system primarily works in isolation with little coordination. Synergised efforts require an integrated approach where the police needs to play a more influential role, with disaster management being seen as a collective effort.

From the numerical perspective, the police has the potential to contribute considerably to disaster management; however, mere numerical strength cannot yield dividends. What is also required is more comprehensive legislation, capacity building, skills and equipment. Owing often to the enormity of the situation at hand, district administrations cannot afford to wait for the arrival of specialised rescue units. Disaster management is a specialised field where the police plays a supporting role. However, its supporting role could be of prime importance if utilised effectively. The Pakistani police force consists of 453,901 personnel. In both pre- and post-disaster situations, such a huge police force can be of great help. But police effectiveness requires the introduction of training modules in disaster management, drafting of standard operating procedures, improved institutional coordination and mock exercises.

Unfortunately, in developing societies, disaster management is often excluded from the orbit of policing. Given our situation, however, policing should not be interpreted in a restricted manner. Policing is not a hide-and-seek game between the police and criminals; rather, it is a complete public service. Participation of the police in disaster management could provide an opportunity for positive image-building and exposing its humane face to the public.

During the 2005 earthquake, the police in Hazara division and Azad Kashmir did exceedingly well. However, this was primarily based on the humane passions of individual officers. In the disaster situation we are currently facing, there is hardly any effort by police organisations to document relief operations and review flaws in their working. During disasters, the police should be performing multiple functions, like rescue operations, protection of life and property, crowd management, providing security during relief distribution, ensuring security of rescue camps, managing traffic and coordinating with other agencies. Qualitative disaster management is not possible without pre-disaster planning and coordination. Since the police has regular interaction with the public, unlike other departments, it is in the best position to infuse the spirit of volunteerism among residents and instantly warn them regarding expected disasters.

To prepare the police for such challenges, it should be trained in life-saving skills as well as fire-fighting. A report titled, “Report of the Pakistan Police Commission 1969-70” can be used for inspiration here as it argued for the creation of a river police. Availability of boats, life jackets, trained swimmers and provision of helicopters will enable the police to perform timely rescue operations.

It should also be noted that disaster situations often lead to an increase in criminal activities. Crimes like robberies and theft require more vigilant policing in such times. Security provision during relief distribution and at ATM kiosks is necessary, as is the task of crowd management. In addition, traffic regulation often becomes a secondary priority creating obstacles to the smooth transportation of relief goods and movement of ambulances. This is another area that the police needs to cover more efficiently during disasters.

We should remember that since the police denotes the visible existence of governance, and police stations are the basic functional apparatus of the state, ordinary citizens expect a lot from the police. The majority of affected persons do not care whether disaster management comes under the mandate of the police or not. They expect the police to help them out in such situations.

Being prepared is an integral component of disaster management. However, our disaster management apparatus is primarily reactive rather than proactive. Here, the police can help in making the apparatus more prepared. It can donate blood and save precious lives. Having close coordination with other police stations and districts enables police units to facilitate families, whose members may be missing. The police may also be of great help when it comes to the collection of authentic information regarding the number of persons killed and injured.

District police officers are ex-officio members in district disaster management authorities. However, their presence has only proved to be symbolic. The incorporation of junior ranking police offers, who have linkages with local bodies institutions, may earn more dividends when it comes to disaster management activities.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 31^st,  2015.

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