Corruption in the police and law enforcement is perceived to be pervasive - creating a culture of lawlessness and lack of credibility and trust in authorities. The police and law enforcement appointments are often politicised and full of conflict of interest. Criminals and rent-seeking and extortionist authorities are often the sole beneficiaries of the game.
Police reforms were instituted about two and a half years ago by President Musharraf but, according to certain expert voices, have been significantly watered down by the elected government, which still sees political patronage of police officers as important. However, a system of recruitment of better quality and standards is being implemented with improvements in areas of professional training, competence development and remuneration. A great deal remains to be done to implement full police reforms including the establishment of public safety commissions
and an effective independent police complaints authority.
It is hoped that the reorganisation outlined by the new Police Order of 2002 and the Police Complaints department will improve the functions of the police and provide relief to the citizens. Reportedly, one of the first steps taken in the reorganization has been the separation of the police force into various branches, divisions, bureaus and sections. It is intended to help improve the efficiency but in fact may lead to more corruption and less efficiency due to non-cooperation or lack of coordination. The Police Order of 2002 has also outlined a format for setting up district Public Safety Commissions (PSC). The functions of such commissions will inter alia include investigations of complaints on excesses and neglect against police officers and encourage greater police-public participation. The PSCs are to be set up within the Federal and Provincial Government and the District and Town Local Governments. There shall also be a National Public Safety Commission. Further, the Order makes provisions for setting up of federal and provincial police complaints authorities for enquiring into serious complaints against the members of Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. Other measures provided for by the Order include the establishment of the Criminal Justice Coordination committee, to work on the improvement of the system as a whole and promote good practices, and of the National Police Management Board, to work on overall technical and human resource capacity building within the Police.
Places to Complain about Police Corruption:
Sindh: http://www.sindhpolice.gov.pk
Punjab: http://www.punjabpolice.gov.pk
Pakistan in General: http://www.transparency.org.pk
Complaints: http://www.transparency.org.pk/complaints/complaints.htm
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