THE Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE) of 1971, led by renowned psychologist Philip Zimbardo, remains etched in history as one of the most unethical and revealing psychological studies ever conducted. The study, conducted in a simulated prison environment, explored the effects of situational variables on participants’ behaviours and reactions. It began innocuously, with volunteers recruited from the local community for what was advertised as a “psychological study of prison life.”
Participants were carefully selected, assessed for psychological stability and randomly assigned the roles of prisoners or prison guards. What followed was a shocking transformation. Those designated as guards, given uniforms to de-individuate them, quickly assumed brutal and abusive behaviour towards their fellow participants acting as prisoners. The study, originally planned for two weeks, had to be terminated on the sixth day due to the extreme psychological harm inflicted on the participants.
SPE has since been referenced as one of the most unethical experiments in history. It spurred universities worldwide to enhance their ethics requirements for human subjects in experiments, aiming to prevent similar harm from occurring again. It serves as a stark reminder of how the environment and authority can drastically influence behaviour, even among ordinary individuals.
Fast forward to a different time and place, to a bustling street in Lahore, Pakistan. A recent incident captured on camera has sent shockwaves across the country and brought the lessons of the Stanford study uncomfortably close to home. In the video, a media representative performs his duty, stopping a motorbike rider for reasons undisclosed. What transpired next was a chilling reminder of the power dynamic between authority figures and ordinary citizens?
Rather than calmly addressing the situation, the policeman reacted with aggression, hurling verbal abuse at the media person. What unfolded was equally disturbing. When the media person invoked the name of the Inspector General of Police (IG) Punjab, a superior officer, the policeman’s response was nothing short of shocking. He brazenly directed his abusive language towards his own commanding officer.
This incident, caught on camera and widely shared on social media, provoked outrage and disbelief. The video caught the attention of the IG Punjab, who responded publicly, stating that the policeman involved was a psychiatric patient and had been admitted for treatment. While this revelation may shed light on the individual’s behaviour in this particular instance, it uncovers a deeper and more pressing concern – the screening and evaluation of mental health in individuals entrusted with the authority to enforce the law.
The incident in Lahore reveals a systemic issue within law enforcement agencies that must not be ignored. It highlights the pressing need for robust mental health checks and evaluations for those who don the uniform and wield authority. Individuals with potential mental health challenges, given weapons and the power to enforce the law, pose a significant risk to public safety.
The implications are clear: individuals with abnormal and socio-pathic tendencies must not be entrusted with the responsibility of upholding law and order. It’s a matter of fundamental concern for public safety and the well-being of society at large. The recent incident is a stark reminder that the safety of ordinary citizens is directly tied to the mental and emotional stability of those entrusted with the duty of protecting them.
This issue is further compounded by the historical legacy of policing in Pakistan. The current policing system, like those in many former colonies, traces its roots back to the British colonial era. Designed primarily to control a colonized population, this system has persisted, leaving behind remnants of a bygone era. The continuation of this colonial legacy in the modern world raises questions about its relevance and effectiveness in today’s society.
As Pakistan grapples with these challenges, it’s imperative to draw from the lessons of history and psychology. Reforms within law enforcement agencies should be guided by principles of accountability, ethics and human rights. The safety and well-being of the general public should always take precedence over outdated systems and practices.
The recent incident in Lahore serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for mental health assessments and checks within policing institutions. Society’s progress is often hindered by the persistence of historical legacies. Reforms in policing should be driven by a commitment to creating a safer and more just society for all.
In the wake of the Stanford Prison Experiment and the incident in Lahore, Pakistan has an opportunity to address these deeply rooted issues. By prioritizing mental health evaluations and embracing modern, ethical policing practices, we can take a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens and shaping a brighter future for our nation.
—The writer is Associate Professor of Public Health, Al-Shifa School of Public Health, based in Rawalpindi.
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