A government audit has uncovered security and administrative lapses at several Special Initiative Police Stations (SIPS) in Punjab, revealing widespread non-compliance with surveillance and monitoring standards prescribed under the policing reforms of the province. According to the audit report, multiple police stations, established under the SIPS programme, failed to install CCTV cameras in key areas — a direct violation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the Punjab Home Department. The SOPs mandated camera installation in every section of the police station, including investigation and interrogation rooms, moharar rooms, record rooms, waiting areas, and storerooms, to ensure transparency and accountability. However, field inspections by the audit team revealed incomplete or inadequate coverage at most stations. In several cases it was noticed, only four to five cameras were installed, primarily covering entrances and lockups. The report observed that such limited placement offered only partial surveillance, undermining the integrity of internal monitoring systems. “The absence of cameras in critical areas compromises transparency in investigations and weakens safeguards against potential misconduct,” the report noted, warning that the situation jeopardises both detainee safety and the protection of police personnel. It further pointed out that real-time monitoring setups were missing at most stations, as display monitors for Station House Officers (SHOs) had not been installed. The required 15-day video backup system was also found non-operational, rendering the surveillance network largely ineffective. “These deficiencies represent a significant failure to comply with SIPS directives,” the auditors said, adding that the lack of monitoring facilities diminishes public confidence in the government’s commitment to transparent policing. Despite repeated reminders in November and December 2024, the Punjab Home Department had not submitted a response or convened a Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) meeting until finalisation of the report. The audit recommended immediate corrective measures, including full installation of CCTV cameras, operationalisation of real-time monitoring systems, and activation of backup storage facilities. Officials associated with the SIPS initiative said the programme was launched to modernise police infrastructure and strengthen citizen trust through technology-driven accountability.
from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/cbgA3fD
No comments:
Post a Comment