Mechanism to handle complaints against cops launched

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has launched an upgraded mechanism to handle complaints against police officers for neglect, abuse of power and non-cooperation with citizens.
The complaints mechanism, operated by the KP Provincial Public Safety and Police Complaints Commission (PPSPCC), is housed at the Home Department in Peshawar.
The PPSPCC was established under Articles 73 and 74 of the 2002 Police Order as an independent body to insulate police complaints from political pressure at all levels, and provide Policy guidance to the police.
It includes a Call Centre and a Management Information System for increased efficiency and complete transparency.
The MIS will provide the opportunity for security and justice decision makers to monitor trends and take remedial action.
The improved structure of the PPSPCC complaints will also ensure complete confidentiality and quick disposal of the complaints.
The number citizens are advised to contact to lodge a complaint is 091-9211333.
It will be advertised across key police stations in the province.
The complainants would not be required to come to Peshawar personally. Thirty people would receive the calls made by the complainants at same phone number.
The desk in Peshawar will, however, seek contact number, Computerised National Identity Cards and address of the complainant.
During the launching ceremony held here Thursday, Siraj Ahmad Khan, Special Secretary for Home and Tribal Affairs Department, said the KP government was keen on availing a number of platforms to communicate with citizens transparently.
He said Home Department received thousands of complaints about different institutions working under Home Department and hoped it will help them resolve those complaints on technical grounds.
Other speakers said the Grievance Redress Mechanisms are a highly important component of public administration as it allows the government to be accountable, approachable and reactive to the citizen needs.