The New Nation - Internet Edition

IN a rare note of openness the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has recognised weaknesses in police investigation of cases and expressed his frustration about this. He is reported to have said that police investigations had neither been done strongly in the past, nor are they being done or would be done strongly in near future. His comment unveiled a deep sore inside the law enforcing agency. The IGP was responding to questions from the journalists. This frank admission of the reality shows the situation of the police force upon which the law and order depends.

The importance of proper investigation of cases hardly needs elaboration. Proper investigation of cases is indispensable for distinguishing right from wrong. One of the fundamental prerequisites of the establishment of an orderly society is that offenders should be punished to protect the life and property of good citizens. But such an objective would never be achieved if police investigations fail to identify criminals and unveil the causes of crimes. If weakness in investigation continues the offenders will escape through loopholes. The people cannot afford such a situation to continue. Actually, there should be no scope at all for an investigation to be weak.

This sort of weakness is very often attributed to shortage of manpower. A limited number of officers have to perform several jobs alternatively. But investigation of cases is a serious job. It is not anything like writing an essay or painting a picture. Proper and timely investigation of cases deserves priority. A police personnel entrusted to do a particular job must do it properly. Supervision and monitoring of performance of duties should be strengthened. Introduction of intelligence and counter-intelligence services within the service is essential to ensure this.