Pakistan Journal of Criminology

Vol. 11, Issue 01, January 2019 (131-140)

Effectiveness of Police Public Services Mechanism in Crime Reduction

in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Farhat Ullah1, Dr. Muhammad Ibrar2

Abstract
The significance of police in any society to prevent crimes and its role in
provision of services to citizens is very important. This paper highlights the
institutional status of police public services with special emphasis on its
effectiveness to reduce crimes. This is a perception based studies and sample size
consists on Police personnel, Criminal lawyers and Crime reporters. The sample
size was determined with the help of statistical formula developed by Krejice &
Morgan (1970). Total population of the about mentioned group of respondents
was 491, out of whom a sample size of 217 was selected. Data was collected from
the above sample group through a structured questionnaire by using Likert scale.
Among the three sample groups, proportionate allocation was made through
stratified random sampling. It is found that police should provide all kind of
public services that is important for public safety and improving its societal
image.

Keywords: Effectiveness, Police, Public, Services, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and

Pakistan

Introduction
Police are the group of personnel who are responsible for peace in the society
by improving law and order situations and provision of various public services.
Policing is one of the most essential part in human life and is vital important for
regulating human behavior, protection of its citizen and controlling crime
(Newburn, 2003). In order to improve societal image of police, numerous public
services by police department have been recently introduced in many parts of the
world (Dahl, 2010). Police force is usually a public sector service who is the first
respondents to all the civil disorders related to any violation of law. Being a
civilian law enforcing agency, this is the responsibility of police to maintain
peace, stability and solidarity in society by providing of various social and public
services (Krishna, 2013). To provide public services to individual irrespective of
gender, race, ethnicity and religion is basic duties of police.
In fact, policing and societal image of police is a complex issue. People in a
society can trust the police only when they perform their responsibilities with
1
Lecturer of Social Work at the Department of Social Work & Sociology and a PhD
research scholar at University of Peshawar, Peshawar, KP-Pakistan.
[email protected]
2
Assistant Professor at the department of Social Work, University of Peshawar, Peshawar,
KP-Pakistan. [email protected]
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132 Farhat Ullah Dr. Muhammad Ibrar

fairness, determination and equity. It is a well known fact that no police service
can operate efficiently without the confidence and the respect of general public.
Ullah (2016) stated that public trust is fundamental for police personnel for
earning authenticity from the citizen. If people of a society are satisfied from
police performance so they will cooperate more with police personnel. Dogutas
et al (2007) stated that nowadays, responsibilities of police personnel are not
merely implanting law and order anymore but to a certain extent, it is an element
of social work as well in the community. Besides, police traditional role of law
enforcing, they have also to perform challenging role by numerous social and
public services as well in present contemporary world.
Likewise in Pakistan, Police department is supposed to reduce disputes and
conflicts and to improve law and order situation as well. In Pakistan, police is
considered a major institution of executive. Unluckily, image of police is
worsening with every coming moments and performance of Pakistan police is
not considered up to the mark. Pakistan is amongst those countries where
people‟s trust on police institution has been eroding gradually (Abbas, 2004).
Keeping in view the depressing performance of police institution, their
corruption and inefficiency, they are losing their credibility in the eyes of public.
In recent years Police department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province started some
new public services to improve its public image and confidence.

Literature Review
Public services by police department have always been remain a key part
in policing while serving victims of crime and offenders has been a main
emphasis of social work practice as well. Law enforcement and social work have
served the same target groups with varying success (Peak et al, 1996). Both
institution combine resources and skills are needed to emphasis on same issues of
crisis and victims of crime. Policing is always considered the most apparent and
obvious aspect of criminal justice system and an efficient police service is a
prerequisite for the positive opinion of justice. Trojanowicz and Bucqueroux
(1990) argued that police should embrace cultural, technological, operational and
organizational change. Policing is not only law enforcement and crime
prevention but rather more than that. Changes in society affect policing and there
is a need to understand those changes of society that can affect the vital services
providers in a society. It is argued that citizen expectations are arising around
emergency response effectiveness, citizen care, public safety, crime reporting
and public involvement in policing (Carter, 2009). Police works in emergency
situations most of the time. Emergency situations are those one where someone
is traumatized and in need of immediate care or counseling such as major injury,
 Pakistan Journal of Criminology 133

suicides, hostage situations, kidnapping and traumatic events.

Police public services, as discussed above, is one of the major topics of
debate in the world including Pakistan. It has been observed that in recent years
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police started numerous initiatives of public interest to
improve its public image and to solve community problems. Police in Pakistan
had not such kind of services before, and they also lacked the potentials in the
past. It is argues that in this new scenario, police do not have the capacities like
proper training mechanism for dispute resolution, legal training and efficiency
for such services is also a question mark (Fasihuddin, 2012). In Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, police reportedly lacks proper training to deal with public and to
improve its public image and same is the situation of police personnel in other
provinces of Pakistan.
Public Service Project of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police which is based
on the spirit of the Pakhtunkhwali (code for resolution of local issues and petty
disputes through reconciliation) offered under supervision of the local police
(Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police 2017). The first Dispute Resolution Council (DRC)
was established as a pilot project in Police Station Gulbahar, District Peshawar on
the directions of the Inspector General of Police Mr. Nasir Khan Durrani (PSP) on
14th January, 2014. Later on, the second DRC was raised in Police Station
Gulberg, District Peshawar and the oath taking of its members was conducted by
the retired Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court. The proceeding rooms the DRCs
have been purposefully designed. It is operational in all the district headquarters.
The establishment of DRCs was challenged in the Peshawar High Court in 2015
and stay was granted. However, the requisite amendments were enacted in Police
Order, 2002 to impart perpetuity to this project. Resultantly, the writ was
dismissed and stay has been vacated. Other public services include, establishment
of Police Assistance Lines (PAL) in 2014, establishment of Police Access Service
(PAS) in 2014, Complaint against police service and establishment Rapid
Response Force (RRF) in 2014 for emergency help.
The services offered in PAL include theft reporting, lost items reporting,
extortion reporting, police character verification, CNIC verification, vehicle
verification, police security clearance, TIF form reporting and legal advice. PAS
is a 24-hour service that entertains the public complaints via SMS, FAX,
telephone, email, post, in person and toll free help line. It is anticipated to reduce
the public-police trust deficit. If anybody has any complaint against any police
personnel so he can register an online complaint free of cost. Police department is
responsible to take action against such police official. The police personnel
constituting RRF have undergone a rigorous nine month elite training course and
are equipped with state of the art weaponry. Each unit of RRF is commanded by
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134 Farhat Ullah Dr. Muhammad Ibrar

an officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police. RRF is kept engaged in mock

exercises and operations at various sensitive and vulnerable places throughout the
year.
Methodology
The study was quantitative in nature and data was conducted in the
capital city of Peshawar. 217 respondents were selected out of the total
population of 491. The sample size has been drawn by using statistical formula
developed by Krejice & Morgan (1970). Sample size was trifurcated in to three
different strata i.e. Crime Reporters, Crime practitioners at court, and police
personnel. In order to determine sample size for each strata, proportionate
stratified sample size technique was used whereas systematic sampling technique
was applied to pick the samples from the three selected sample groups. The
sample method was adopted as follows:
Breakup of the composite sample size:
S. Sample Group Population Size Sample
No Size
1 Police Personnel (SHOs, 30+58+55=143 64
Inspectors & ASIs)
2 Criminal lawyers 225 99
3 Crime Reporters 123 54
(Journalists)
Total 491 217
Source:
1. Central Police Office Peshawar
2. Peshawar Press Club
3. Peshawar Bar Council, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Results and Discussion of the Study

Demographic Information

Job nature of the respondents and their marital status are very important variables
which determines their level of knowledge, maturity, and awareness about the
concerned topic i.e. effectiveness of police public services. Out of the total 491
(100 percent) respondents, 99 i.e. 45.6 percent of the respondents were advocates
and 64 i.e. 24.9 percent of the respondents were police personnel and 29.5 percent
were crime reporters. Further, 80.2 percent of the respondents were male and 19.8
percent were female. Regarding marital status of the respondents, 71.9% were
 Pakistan Journal of Criminology 135

married and 28.1percent were unmarried. Age and education is a factor which tells
us about the experience in society regarding common issues affecting people. Out
of the total respondents 76 i.e. 35 percent belongs to the age group of 22-30 years
and 97 i.e. 44.7 percent of the respondents consisted of the age group 31- 40 years.
Further, 22 i.e. 10.1 percent of the respondents were of the age group of 41-50
years and only 22 i.e. 10.1 percent respondents belonged to the age group of above
50 years. Regarding resident of the respondent, 78 i.e. 35.9% of the respondents
were from rural areas whereas 139 i.e. 64.1% belonged to urban areas. Out of the
total respondents, 58 i.e. 26.7 percent belong to nuclear family system, 148 i.e.
68.2 percent were from joint family system and 11 i.e. 5.1 percent of the
respondents were from extended family system. Out of the total respondents 11
i.e. 5.1 were matriculated, 22 i.e. 10.1 percent were intermediate, 22 i.e. 10.1
percent were having BA/BSc degree, 54 i.e. 24.5% were MA/MSc/BS Hon., and
108 i.e. 49.8% had degree of law.

Results and Discussion

The perception regarding effectiveness of police public services and crime
reduction is given in Annex-I. The table reveals a significant (P=.001) association
between the statement “increase number of police officers is good for reducing
ratio of crime” and “crime reduction”. The association between independent and
dependant variables is statistically significant. The result shows that by increasing
police officers ration can reduce crime ration. As clear from the relevant literature
that police in Pakistan in general and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular are
lower in numbers as compared to the total volume of population and crimes.
Chalfin and McCrary (2018) argue that increasing in number of crimes, murders,
and robberies can be decreased by increasing ratio/number of police personnel.
Likewise a significant (P=.004) relationship is extracted between the
statement “Police image is improved recently by providing more and more
services to community people.” and “crime reduction”. The association between
independent and dependant variables is statistically significant. The finding is in
consonance with Abbas (2011), who state that police could restore and enhance
their public image if they follow best practices to reduce crimes in the society by
detecting and arresting the criminals. Similarly, a significant (p=.000) relationship
is found between the statement “timely resolving public disputes by police
personnel enhance police societal image” and “crime reduction”. The finding is in
line with walker (2004); Ullah (2016), who finds that delay response from the
police is the reason of encouraging criminal and delay in providing justice to
citizens. Moreover, a significant (p=.000) relationship is existed between the
statement “police public services needed to be people focused” and “crime
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136 Farhat Ullah Dr. Muhammad Ibrar

reduction”. The finding suggests that the need of social workers in police
department in Pakistan. Police should always deal public politely and they needed
to help timely those who needed help.
A significant (p=.003) relationship is found between the statement
“Dispute resolution council by Police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is an effective
initiative” and “crime reduction”. Relevant literature reveals that many disputes
can be resolved out of going to police stations though mutual compromise and
understanding. The findings of the present study are in consonance with Goldber
et al. (1992) who state that through negotiation and mediation many issues can be
resolved without involvement of courts and police.
Likewise, a significant (p=.006) relationship is found between the statement
“Criminal record verification system (CRVs) is a positive public initiative” and
“crime reduction”. The association between variables is statistically significant.
According to CRV system, all the computerized data related to all criminals and
militants had been provided to all police stations, check posts and snap checking
points. The finding is in line with Maqsood (2018, October 8) who argues that
CRVS will speed up the investigation process and no time would be wasted in
conducting important probes. Data verification of the militants and criminals has
become easy through CRVS. In contrast, a non-significant (p=.068) relationship is
existed between the statement “Performance of Rapid response force of police is
praiseworthy” and “crime reduction”. The finding is not in agreement with Niazi
(2017); Bhatti (2018); and Khan (2018). A significant (p=.004) relationship is
existed between the statement “induction of women in police can enhance police
public image and trust” and “crime reduction”. The finding could be attributed to
the views of Fink et al. (2013) who states that minimum numbers of women are
involved in law enforcement has been created a serious challenge to the inclusion
of a gender perspective in combating terrorism programs, based on the supposition
that women as law enforcement personnel are better at dealing with and they have
a better perceptive of gender sensitivities. Literature also revealed that on the
whole, efficacy of policy implementation and counter terrorism programs could be
improved by raising the involvement of women in the security sector
(Dharmapuri, 2016). Likewise, a significant (p=.002) association is existed
between the statement “Vehicle verification system (VVS) is helpful in reducing
car theft” and “crime reduction”. Literature reveals that vehicle snatching has been
considerably decreased after the introduction of VVS. Huge number of stolen
vehicles had been recovered so for because of VVS. The findings are in agreement
with Jawad (2014); and Khan (2018).
 Pakistan Journal of Criminology 137

Conclusions and Suggestion

In any country of the world, policing is one of the most important parts of
law enforcement. Perceptions about effectiveness of police public services
effectiveness in crime prevention shows that police public services is an integral
part of policing. In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police act of 2017, numerous public
services have been initiated in police department in order to tackle crimes and
criminals. Performance of the police has been appreciated by all sections of the
society and their role in crime reduction is improved keeping in view recent past.
The study suggests that for crime prevention, public police cooperation is
significantly important. Accountability of police must be ensured to the public in
order to enhance their performance. Moreover police should be making free from
political interference and it should not be politicized. Corruption should be
completely banned in police department and corrupt officials should be given
strict punishments. It is strongly suggested that police needed to treat public
equally and in a morally polite way. It is order of the day that more and more
public service should be initiated in police department in order to make it public
friendly.

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Annex-I

Table I: Effectiveness of Police Public Services in Crime Reduction

Mechanism

Statements Respo Crime Reduction Chi Square

nse Yes No Don’t Total P Value
Know
Increase number of Yes 139 (88.0) 26 (64.4) 11 (52.4) 176(81.1) χ2 = 18.15
police officers is good No 7 (4.4) 11 (28.9) 1 (4.8) 19 (8.8) (P = .001)
for reducing ratio of Don‟t 12 (7.6) 1 (2.6) 9 (42.9) 22 (10.1)
crime Know
Police image is Yes 140 (88.6) 17 (44.7) 14 (66.7) 171 (78.8) χ2 = 15.21
improved recently by No 9 (5.7) 11 (28.9) 4 (19.0) 24 (11.1) (P = .004)
providing more and Don‟t 9 (5.7) 10 (26.3) 3 (14.3) 22 (10.1)
more services to Know
community people.
Timely resolving public Yes 151 (95.6) 25 (65.8) 18 (85.7) 194 (89.4) χ2 = 37.47
disputes by police No 0 (0.0) 5 (13.2) 0 (0.0) 5 (2.3) (P = .000)
personnel enhance Don‟t 7 (4.4) 8 (21.1) 3 (14.3) 18 (8.3)
police societal image. Know
Police public services Yes 131 (82.9) 24 (63.2) 12 (57.1) 167 (77.0) χ2 = 24.92
needed to be people No 17 (10.8) 8 (21.1) 6 (28.6) 31 (14.3) (P = .000)
focused Don‟t 10 (6.3) 6 (15.8) 3 (14.3) 19 (8.8)
Know
Dispute resolution Yes 139 (88.0) 26 (68.4) 13 (61.9) 178 (82.0) χ2 = 15.85
council by Police in No 15 (9.5) 6 (15.8) 6 (28.6) 27 (12.4) (P = .003)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is Don‟t 4 (2.5%) 6 (15.8) 2 (9.5) 12 (5.5)
an effective initiative Know
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140 Farhat Ullah Dr. Muhammad Ibrar

Criminal record Yes 141 (89.2) 18 (47.4) 13 (61.9) 172 (79.3) χ2 = 14.53
verification system No 6 (3.8) 8 (21.1) 3 (14.3) 17 (7.8) (P = .006)
(CRVs) is a positive Don‟t 11 (7.0) 12 (31.6) 5 (23.8) 28 (12.9)
public initiative Know
Performance of Rapid Yes 147 (93.0) 28 (73.7) 20 (95.2) 195 (89.9) χ2 = 9.03
response force of police No 3 (1.9) 5 (13.2) 1 (4.8) 9 (4.1) (P = .068)
is praiseworthy Don‟t 8 (5.1) 5 (13.2) 0 (0.0) 13 (6.0)
Know
Induction of women in Yes 140 (88.6) 25 (65.8) 17 (81.0) 182 (83.9) χ2 = 15.66
police can enhance No 8 (5.1) 5 (13.2) 0 (0.0) 13 (6.0) (P = .004)
police public image and Don‟t 10 (6.3) 8 (21.1) 4 (19.0) 22 (10.1)
trust Know
Identity verification Yes 144 (91.1) 30 (78.9) 18 (85.7) 192 (88.5) χ2 = 5.78
system (IVS) is a good No 5 (3.2) 3 (7.9) 1 (4.8) 9 (4.1) (P = .216)
public initiative by Don‟t 9 (5.7) 5 (13.2) 2 (9.5) 16 (7.4)
police Know
Vehicle verification Yes 141 (89.2) 26 (68.4) 15 (71.4) 182 (83.9) χ2 = 16.60
system (VVS) is No 4 (2.5) 4 (10.5) 3 (14.3) 11 (5.1) (P = .002)
helpful in reducing car Don‟t 13 (8.2) 8 (21.1) 3 (14.3) 24 (11.1)
theft Know