With an aim to bridge the gaps between police and public, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Amjad Javed Saleemi has strictly directed his subordinates to ensure the presence of Station House Officers (SHOs) in their respective police stations for at least two hours from 4pm to 6pm from March 15. "All field officers should ensure presence of the SHOs for two hours in their respective police stations and they will not do any other job during this period," the IGP directed while addressing a video-link conference of regional and district police officers at the Central Police Office (CPO) on Wednesday.

He said the SHOs should remain present in their offices to address the public complaints from 4pm to 6pm from 15th of March. A strict disciplinary action will be taken against SHOs who were found absent during these hours, he warned. It was also decided in the conference that action will be taken through internal accountability against those who delayed the registration of 321 cases during last six weeks across the province.

The IG added that in order to timely redress the public complaints and to ensure the provision of justice, district complaint offices have been established in all districts across Punjab which will be headed by superintendents of police.

"These offices were provided all basic facilities including computers, printers, scanners, internet and IT staff. These complaint officers will directly work under the supervision of RPOs, CPOs and DPOs. All kind of complaints could be entertained in these offices, particularly against police officers. These complaint officers will also ensure to redress the complaints directly received from Prime Minister Service Delivery Unit, Citizen's Portal, CM complaint office and 8787, added the IG.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019