Policing in Pakistan - ills and cure
Pakistan
Policing in Pakistan - ills and cure
By Javed Iqbal
The recent ‘killing’ of diehard Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporter Zille Shah and brutal tactics in a raid at Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence have once again exposed the ham-handed tactics police employ to achieve their ends. Reports suggest that an explosive situation developed when the PTI chief’s convoy was traveling for a court appearance in Islamabad and police came face to face with the party supporters.
Police were reportedly following the orders from higher-ups and they used excessive force to stop the convoy from entering the Judicial Complex, leading to a clash between the two sides. As a result, several people, including Imran Khan's close aides, were injured. Moreover, police personnel made frantic attempts to arrest Mr Khan, which ended up in clashes with the party workers at Zaman Park.
— PTI (@PTIofficial) March 15, 2023
The sequence of events has raised concerns about the blatant abuse of authority and violence by police against unarmed protesters. Although police alleged they were attacked with petrol bombs and that they found weapons in the PTI chairman's residence, not many people believed it which shows public distrust on the frontline force.
The incidents have also reignited the debate underscoring the need for technological solutions to control police and prevent such happenings in the future.
False FIRs
An officer of the Punjab police says the incidence of false FIRs has risen to an alarming 20 to 30 percent of all reported/registered crimes. He says there is neither action against the applicants nor police officers involved in the registration of false FIRs.
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False FIRs filed by police constitute a serious problem that plagues law-enforcement agencies in many countries across the world. In Pakistan, cases of bogus FIRs by police have been reported frequently as is evident from more than 100 cases against deposed prime minister Imran Khan.
The high court in a recent ruling observed that even sedition cases on baseless information had been registered and “it is tantamount to a waste of time and state resources.”
False FIRs do immense damage to the reputation and dignity of an individual, and it is incumbent upon the police authorities to ensure that no one is subjected to such outrageous practices.
The Punjab police have been under scrutiny for the severe brutalities that they have been perpetrating on the citizens. These acts of violence have been noted by many as a reflection of a colonial mindset that still plagues the police force. The use of excessive force, torture and extrajudicial killings have become a common feature of police.
The Police Order 2002 was enacted as a milestone in police reforms, but in the aftermath of devolution, the Public Safety Commissions could not be established to oversee police performance and there was no effective check on police conduct.
Policing of anti-graft institutions
The posting of police officers in the Anti-Corruption Establishment, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) may be dubbed policing of state institutions. This is allegedly done to arm-twist the political rivals. There is a dire need to set up separate anti-graft services.
Fake Encounters
The HRCP data reveals that a total of 2,117 police encounters were reported in the media from Jan 1, 2014, to May 11, 2018. According to data, 6,610 males, 23 females and 12 minor victims were encountered by the police out of which 3,345 people were killed. During these encounters, 173 suspects were injured, 516 were arrested and 2,602 escaped. Similarly, 10 passersby were killed and 53 were injured in these encounters.
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Hefty Punjab Police budget
The Punjab government in addition to the development budget had in the fiscal year 2022-23 allocated Rs149 billion for the police department under the head of non-development.
Guidance from others like the London police operation cleanup
After Baroness Casey's critical report on the performance of the British police, "Operation Clean Up" began in the police force, with credible police officers tasked with investigating wrongdoing in the force.
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the vetting of officers had been tightened, describing it as the biggest move to improve the quality of the Met police in 50 years. He said hundreds of police officers who should not be in the police force would be kicked out. The Met Commissioner also conveyed the measures in a letter to the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London.
The Baroness Casey report accused the police of the mistreatment of women and homosexuals and of institutionalised racism in the force. The report recommended that complaints against officers needed to be properly investigated.
Technological solutions
Advanced countries have implemented various technological checks on police to ensure accountability and transparency. Some of these checks may be implemented with minor changes here that include:
1. Body-worn cameras - Police officers are bound to wear body-worn cameras that record their interactions with the public. This helps prevent police misconduct and provides evidence in case of complaints. It would be difficult for police to be involved in fake encounters and forced disappearances of people.
2. Dash cameras - The police vehicles must be equipped with dash cameras that record all interactions with the public.
3. GPS tracking - Police vehicles should be equipped with GPS tracking systems that can monitor their location. This helps ensure that police officers are following proper procedures and not engaging in excessive force.
4. Data analytics - Advanced data analytics tools may be used to analyse large amounts of data from various sources, including social media, to identify potential threats or criminal activity.
5. Artificial intelligence - Advanced AI systems can be used to analyse video footage and audio recordings to identify patterns and potential areas of concern.
6. Electronic monitoring - In some cases, offenders are placed under electronic monitoring to track their movements and ensure compliance with court orders.
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(Image: HSRC)
Establishment of public safety commissions and police complaint authorities
Overall, spending less than Rs1 billion on these innovative techniques, flat drainage of Rs149 billion can be controlled. Moreover, besides technological aids, there is a dire need for the establishment of public safety commissions and police complaint authorities.
They can also improve policing and enhance public trust and confidence in law-enforcement agencies. The safety commissions are independent bodies that oversee and regulate the activities of LEAs, ensuring that their actions are lawful, ethical and in compliance with human rights standards.
On the other hand, police complaint authorities receive, investigate and resolve complaints against police officers or departments, providing an avenue for citizens to hold police accountable for any wrongdoing or misconduct. These institutions can help promote transparency, accountability and responsiveness in policing, leading to better relations between LEAs and the communities they serve.
Models of Japan, Singapore and Germany
Japan's police model is famous for its high levels of professionalism, efficiency and sense of public service. Keisatsu has a strong focus on crime prevention, community-oriented policing, and a low tolerance for corruption.
Singapore's police model is known for their zero-tolerance policy towards crime, strict adherence to the rule of law and a highly trained police force. They also have a strong community policing approach and their officers are known to be approachable and helpful.
The German police model is based on the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Their law enforcement approach emphasises community policing, teamwork and the use of technology to enhance safety and security.
Some countries such as Norway and Switzerland have low crime rates and prioritise community-oriented policing, while others such as the United States employ a more militarised approach.
These police models are continually evolving and countries worldwide are striving to improve their police models by adopting the best practices and innovative ideas.
Elected Mayor, Sheriff and Jury
A brand new model to deliver governance and justice to people is needed. It can start with a pilot program in six districts; one urban and one rural in the north, central and south Punjab.
Elected sheriffs besides having an external oversight of police would share their powers and help develop its liaison with the community. An elected jury would decide matters of facts leaving the magistrate to decide legal aspects thus filling a big breach in the justice system.
Such officials would establish civilian oversight committees and community policing initiatives to help build trust between law enforcement and the public. However, the success of these measures would depend on the commitment and implementation of these changes by the government and police authorities.
Initially, pilot projects can be initiated in at least six districts of Punjab.
