Concerned about the low investigation rate, Sindh’s police chief will request the provincial government to increase the budget of the investigation branch. Meanwhile, the government has sought details from senior police officers to formulate the Witness Protection Rule.
According to officials, IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon recently held a meeting with his subordinates to review the progress of the investigation branch as well as the steps taken to make the witness protection programme functional.
The IGP has decided to increase the salaries of the investigation police, saying that the investigating officers have to work at the investigation branch for three years. He also decided to make the investigation police a separate cadre.
He said expert investigators will be appointed for murder and other serious cases. He also said the government will be asked for Rs100,000 as the cost of investigation in cases of murder and kidnapping for ransom.
He added that 50 per cent of the cost will be paid to the IO in advance, while the remaining half will be paid on the completion of the case. He pointed out that all the expenses for DNA tests and post-mortem examinations will be paid to the IO.
The IGP also formed a committee chaired by the CIA DIG to examine the rules of the investigation police. Memon was informed that it is difficult to take a truck carrying 50 tonnes of hashish to the court for every appearance, and presenting case property to the IO in court.
The police chief assured the meeting that the matter will be discussed with the provincial government so that changes can be made in the relevant laws.
Moreover, IOs will be given digital training so they can update their cases on a daily basis, and every officer who brings their case to a logical conclusion will be rewarded.
According to officials, the IGP has formed four committees supervised by DIGs to go through the rules and other aspects, including the Criminal Procedure Code, and suggest changes for upgrading the investigation department.
The first committee will determine which officer will investigate murder cases and on what grounds, as well as who will investigate vehicle thefts and other street crimes.
The second committee will ascertain what increase will be made in the investigation cost of the cases, like providing 50 per cent cost for utilisation in the investigation, including autopsies and forensic exams, while the rest will be awarded to the officer on getting a conviction in the case.
The third committee will suggest the rules to establish the investigation branch as a separate cadre, including how much force and budget will be needed, so that the government can be asked to form it later. The fourth committee will focus on modern technology, like how to digitise the investigation department with modern tools and gadgets, and its utilisation and training.
