The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) has broadcast three new episodes of its new flagship radio program “Ulasi Police” in the districts of Mardan, Peshawar and Charsadda on May 24, 25 and 26 respectively.
“Ulasi Police” is an awareness and advocacy campaign undertaken by the Center – as part of USAID Small Grants and Ambassadors’ Fund Program – to strengthen the rule of law in KP province by promoting and disseminating the significant police reforms aimed at incorporating local communities’ policing needs and international human rights standards. The endeavor aims to ameliorate the trust deficit between the public and police, help KP police become an accountable and community-focused police force.
Dispute Resolution Council (DRC):
Ulasi Police aired from Pakhtunkhwa Radio, FM-92.6, Mardan on May 24, 2016 focused on Dispute Resolution Councils (DRC), their importance in justice system and performance in district Mardan then far. The program discussed several other aspects of the DRCs including the vision and mission of the establishment of DRCs, member and panel selection, case filing procedure, investigation process, monitoring and transparency, and the importance of DRCs in the provision of justice to general public and how they reduced burden on Police and judiciary.
Mr. Ikhtiraz Khan, Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Rural, Mardan, said: “Approximately 400 cases have been successfully resolved by DRC in 2015. While in 2016, we have resolved 101 cases out of 183 registered and the remaining are in process, and by the end of this year, the figure will touch 650. All the members have taken a solemn oath to be impartial and honest.” The other guest participant was Mr. Arshad Manan, Lawyer and Member of Dispute Resolution Council (DRC), Mardan,
Six Specialized Training Schools for KP Police:
Ulasi Police aired from Pakhtunkhwa Radio, FM-92.2, Peshawar on May 25, 2016 focused on specialized training schools for KP police, and their importance in improving the performance, efficiency and capacity of the police force to better perform their duties, responsibilities and to augment their public dealing skills.
The program highlighted each of the six specialized training schools such as Police School of Investigation, Peshawar, Police School of Intelligence, Abbottabad, Police School of Explosive Handling, Nowshehra, Police School of Disorder and Riot Management, Mardan, Police School of Information Technology, Peshawar, Police School of TACTACS, Peshawar, in detail.
Ms. Aneela Naaz, Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Trainings, Peshawar, said: “Before these specialized schools, solving a case used to take a lot of time. But due to the trainings on modern techniques and tools, the time taken to register and solve a case has significantly reduced. Public is feeling the change. The system is efficient now and any kind of complaint is readily responded due to the reforms in KP Police.”
The other guest participants of this radio show were Mr. Mubarak Zeb, Community Police Officer/ Sub-Inspector, Peshawar; and Mr. Farid Ullah Khan, Senior Journalist/Analyst.
Police Reforms and Newly Established Departments:
Ulasi Police aired from Radio Dilber, FM-93, Charsadda on May 26, 2016 focused on the major reforms in KP police and the newly established departments such as Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Police Assistance Lines (PAL), and Police Access Services (PAS). Furthermore the program highlighted the significance of CTD in countering extremism and terrorism in the region, cases registered with CTD in Charsadda, the achievements of CTD, progress of PAL and PAS and how they have reduced the crime ratio.
Iftikhar Shah, Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Headquarters, Charsadda, said: “CTD aims to counter terrorism and its role is evident from the current situation in our country. Police also has a counter terrorism duty besides providing other services to the citizens. A separate body to crush terrorism was direly needed.”
The other guest participants of this show were Mr. Muhammad Iftikhar Khan, Resident Inspector Police Lines, Charsadda; and Mr. Shah Raza, Journalist/Social Activist.
Three field based research stories were also aired during these shows; one each from district Mardan, Peshawar, and Charsadda. The reports highlighted central themes of the shows and shared views of the community members, lawyers, police officers, students, DRC beneficiaries, and intelligentsia. Several live calls from the public were also made part of the shows.