Need for comprehensive reforms in police system

Saleem Tariq Lone

All written work in police offices at the central level should be done in the Urdu language. (Constitutional requirement). At the provincial level, it should be done in Urdu or the provincial languages. Urdu or the provincial language should be used in all meetings. There is a dire need to make the police service a professional institution like the Pakistan Army and other defense institutions.

The police service should be made a non-political institution. (a) The Inspector General of Police should be appointed for three years in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws. And he should be given the real authority to run his service. Just like the Army Chief. He should be kept free from political influence.
b) Important point: In order to make the police service a true institution for the protection and service of the people, comprehensive reforms should be made in the following areas/ departments in the light of the recommendations of various police commissions: Recruitment in the police should be ensured in accordance with the rules, regulations and procedures.

A comprehensive system of education and training during service, in which Islamic awareness should also be created. Modern technology and societal needs should also be taken into accounts. A coordinated system of postings should be implemented in accordance with career planning. For effective prevention and investigation of crimes, all required human and legal resources as well as modern technology should be used professionally. All necessary resources should be provided for the effective functioning of police stations and a people-friendly environment should be created.

An effective system of real accountability of the police should be established in accordance with the law and regulations. So that the grievances of the people can be redressed. Practical steps should be taken for the welfare of police employees (during service and after retirement). Like the effective system existing in the defense forces. All required resources should be provided on time so that the desired results can be achieved.

There is a great need to reform the entire criminal justice system, which has miserably failed to provide quick and cheap justice to the people. There are lakhs of cases pending in the district courts for years. No one to ask. Murder cases are decided in 15 to 20 years.

The main reason for this is the never-ending series of appeals, reviews and revisions. Whether justice is done or not is a different matter. By amending the law, the first trial of murder cases should be at the scene of the crime. It is imperative that appeals in criminal cases be limited to one appeal in the district courts.

The High and Supreme Courts should be kept separate from this process. According to a survey, 75% of the accused awaiting the death penalty after all appeals in murder cases said they did not commit the murder for which they have been awarded the final death penalty. This shows that justice is not available from the courts.

The writer is Retired Inspector General (IG) Police.