MODERN technology has brought efficacy in the working of different departments and police is no exception. From drones and body worn cameras to facial recognition software and artificial intelligence like important technologies are being employed in different countries to equip the law enforcement agencies with new capabilities to protect and serve.
And our country also needs to move towards that direction to improve the performance and efficiency of police that currently lacks confidence and trust of the people. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday directed Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhary to change existing police culture, better known as Thana culture, by bringing reforms and equipping the police stations with high technology and modern information system. In the first phase, ten police stations of federal capital are to be modernised. Since the PM has entrusted the task to one of his most energetic minister, we are confident some headway will be made this time around. It goes to the credit of Fawad Chaudhary for giving a new life to the ministry of science and technology during Covid-19 pandemic and taking the country towards domestic production of some important medical equipment such as ventilators.
One expects him to deliver in transforming police department as per modern day requirements. This should not confine to only placement of computers in police stations rather the personnel should be equipped with latest information and communications gadgets such as body cameras as they not only capture footage that can be used as evidence, but they also ensure police is not abusing power by harassing innocent citizens or using unnecessary force. Similarly, three-dimensional imaging scans crime scenes more effectively than sketches and photos. To procure such sophisticated equipment, federal government should provide sufficient resources to police department.
