LAHORE, Feb 11 (APP): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Rao Abdul Kareem on Wednesday chaired an important meeting at the Central Police Office to review progress on police reforms being implemented under Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of “Fast, Fearless, Transparent Justice.”
The meeting was informed that major reforms were being introduced in Punjab Police, including phased provision of body cameras to police and traffic personnel, installation of panic buttons outside police stations and mandatory respectful behavior towards citizens.
IGP Punjab Abdul Kareem said body cameras would be provided in phases and the entire force would be equipped within the next two months. He said panic buttons were being installed outside police stations to enable citizens to immediately lodge complaints in case of misconduct or lack of response.
He directed that citizens visiting police stations, offices, checkpoints and Khidmat Marakaz be addressed respectfully as “Sir/Madam” or “Sahib/Sahiba.” He added that counseling and training sessions were being arranged to improve overall public dealing and professional conduct of officers and officials.
The IGP made it clear that there would be zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of authority and misconduct, and strict and immediate accountability would be ensured. He directed that CCTV cameras installed in all police stations remained fully operational with proper backup systems.
A modern control and monitoring room was being activated at the Central Police Office for effective oversight of police stations. Through the Safe Cities system, direct monitoring of police stations, SHOs, moharrirs and investigation rooms would also be carried out.
The IGP directed regional police officers (RPOs) and district police officers (DPOs) to devise a comprehensive mechanism for implementation of the reform agenda across the force, including traffic police, police stations, Khidmat Marakaz, checkpoints and field formations. He emphasised strengthening core policing, supervision and command systems for effective crime control, adding that the chief minister herself was overseeing the reform process.
The meeting also directed strict enforcement of traffic laws and continuation of crackdown against violations of helmet use, lane discipline and one-way traffic rules. Performance monitoring through Emergency Helpline 15 and Safe Cities system was continuing.
Rao Kareem said the investigation process and activities at police stations would be fully recorded and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) scorecards would be implemented effectively. He added that he was personally contacting complainants from the CPO to obtain feedback.
The RPOs and DPOs were directed to hold open courts and direct meetings for prompt redressal of public complaints. In cases involving women and children, investigations must be conducted with utmost civility and respect, while such cases should be resolved on priority with the assistance of Virtual Women Police Stations and the Center for Child Safety.
The IGP directed all officers to ensure swift and effective implementation of the chief minister’s police reform agenda.