Police concerned over use of lookalike uniform by Excise & Taxation Dept

PESHAWAR: The police officials have expressed concern over the use of uniform similar to the police force by the officials of the Excise and Taxation Department as they fear it can be exploited in a security situation.

The police force and the Excise Department have locked horns in recent months after a proposed act that will empower the latter to exclusively carry out operations against drug sellers and smugglers.

The Excise officials have already started operations in different parts of the province against drugs and even rounded up people for carrying pistols.

Senior cops of the province have expressed concern over the situation, especially the use of uniform similar to that of the KP Police.

“Officials of the Excise Department are not adhering to their own policy regarding uniform and instead they wear uniform similar to that of the KP Police of various ranks which causes confusion among the general public and could potentially be exploited in a security situation,” said a letter written by a senior police officer a few days back.

The letter added that there are instances where they inscribe Excise Police on their vehicles. “But in fact that [is] the Excise Department and not police. The portrayal of oneself as a certain category of public servant (law enforcement official) could also provoke the covenants of law for action,” the letter stated. The letter also expressed concern that the Excise officials were using patrolling vans similar to that of the police mobile vans in the capital city.

“The Excise staff also use black uniform on the pattern of Elite, ATS commandoes which is not notified by their respective department. The staff introduces themselves as Excise Police instead of Excise officials, staff and also use badges similar to police instead of their own,” the letter read.

The letter by the police officials asked the Inspector General of Police to take up the issue with the Excise high-ups. “In the light of the above, it is requested that this case may kindly be taken up with Secretary Excise & Taxation to strictly adhere to their uniform policy in order to avoid any untoward incident and also to minimise security risks,” the letter added.