Suspended policemen recalled: Shortage works well for some

ISLAMABAD, Feb 21: The police high-ups in the capital have started `temporarily reinstating` hundreds of suspended policemen to meet the shortage of manpower, Dawn has learnt. However, the temporary reinstatement will not affect inquiries being conducted against the officials. "The suspended policemen are being reinstated temporarily and their fate will be decided after completion of inquiries against them," senior police officers told this reporter. About 500 to 600 policemen were suspended on different allegations, including corruption, criminal activities, careless attitude and negligence. In the first phase, policemen suspended for careless attitude and negligence have been reinstated and deployed at the police installations, including police line headquarters, police stations, central police office, and the offices of SSP and Rescue-15. It is feared that the reinstated policemen can become a security risk. Besides, only blue-eyed boys of senior police officers would be reinstated. The policemen already posted at the police installations on security duties are being shifted to other assignments after arrival of the suspended officials. The reinstated policemen would also be deputed at checkpoints and other localities, including foreign and local sensitive installations, the officers said. They said scores of policemen were suspended only to satisfy the complainants who accused them of carelessness and negligence though they were otherwise competent and had nothing to do with any illegal practice. The authority concerned directed to reinstate such officials in the first phase. The officers said SSPs of operation, traffic, security and headquarters were reviewing every single case in their departments before reinstating the officials. Committees were also constituted to recommend the names of the suspended officials after reviewing the allegations against them. They said earlier the suspended police officials used to get half salary during suspension. But some years back, the policy was changed and the suspended officers started getting full salary along with all perks and privileges. "It is better to utilise their services as they are getting full salary instead of giving them relaxation on the pretext of suspension," the officers added. They said hundreds of policemen were deployed on security of VIPs, including ministers and parliamentarians and senior government officials, leading to shortage of manpower. The capital police with the strength of 10,730 personnel and officers have been facing shortage of personnel to meet the requirements of counter-terrorism and crime checking. A summary for the recruitment of 10,000 police personnel and officers was submitted to the interior ministry but the vacancies are yet to be announced despite approval. In 2009, the capital police completed the recruitment process of 400 constables and 111 assistant sub-inspectors but the notification could not be issued due to a tussle between the interior minister and the police high-ups. In early 2009; some 1,700 policemen were hired on deputation from provinces but later majority of them were called back by their parent departments. Some months back, the police also asked all the provinces and departments to return its personnel working with them on deputation or deployed at federal administrative installations. At present, 300-400 personnel of the capital police are on deputation in provinces.