Punjab Highway Patrol

Introduction

The Chief Minister of the Punjab (Pakistan) announced the establishment of Patrolling Posts on the highways throughout the province on 8th January 2003. The object was to provide security to the people traveling on the highways and improve thana (Police Station) culture. 450 Patrolling Post would be established in two phases. By 31st March 2005 more than 190 posts have become operational and others will soon be commissioned. More than 11,500 constables have been recruited and trained in two years. They receive a special pay package which is almost twice that of the regular police. The Punjab Highway Patrol is headed by an officer of the rank of an Additional Inspector-General of Police. Objectives

Control crime on highways with a system of foot and mobile patrol within an area extending to 220 feet on either side of the designated highways Apprehend criminals and hand them over to the local police Preserve the crime scene and inform the local police after commission of an offence Take measures to control traffic accidents In case of accident, provide first aid to the injured and transport the seriously injured to hospital Serve as reporting centres and provide emergency help in the form of guidance and road-side assistance Keep the highways clear of encroachments in coordination with the competent authority Conduct effective nakabandi (picketing on roads/highways) to stop a suspect vehicle following a crime or an accident Check over-speeding and use of pressure horns in public service vehicles Ensure round the clock presence of uniformed, well trained, well educated, alert and vigilant force

Dinstinctive Uniform

In order to distinguish Punjab Highway Patrol from general police a special uniform has been designed. Training

In addition to regular police training, the personnel of the Punjab Highway Patrol have been given instruction in the following areas:Character building Principles of patrolling Preservation of the scene of crime Stop, search and arrest. First aid Public dealing / Community policing. Safety and cleanliness