People should inform police immediately when they witness a crime. If the police refuse to take action, they should submit a complaint to the Citizen-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC). A copy of the FIR, after it is registered, will be sent to their homes, City Police Officer (CPO) Abdur Razzaq Cheema told media persons on Monday.
“The police are duty-bound to provide a safe and secure environment for citizens by cracking down on street crime,” Cheema said, “We have arranged training workshops for police officials to improve their performance and liaison with the public.”
In case the police refuse to take action when a crime is reported, citizens should file a complaint against them with the CPLC, he said.
He said many criminals used fake green number plates or number plates saying Press, Police or Advocate to get away. “We have decided to thoroughly check the credentials of anyone travelling with such number plates,” Cheema said.
He said that street crime could be controlled through proper patrolling, “We have arranged for 25 vehicles to increase patrolling in areas with most incidents of street crime.”
The powers to transfer investigation will be given to the district Standing Board. Previously the power to transfer investigation was exercised from Lahore and the process could take up to a month. “Transfer orders will now be passed within a week,” he said.
“We have decided to restore a cell that monitored the activities of banned militant organisations,” Cheema said, “The decision has been taken in light of recent terrorist activities in the province. Police have been directed to round up wanted criminals on an urgent basis.”
He said that a plan to stop extortion had also been chalked. “People who receive threats or ‘chits’ asking for money should immediately inform police,” Cheema said, “We will take prompt action against the criminals.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2013.