RAWALPINDI: A security audit of commerce colleges in Rawalpindi has found certain security flaws in the existing arrangements which include non-existence of walk-through gates, emergency push buttons and improper checking of people entering these institutions.

There are 22 commerce colleges in Rawalpindi including six government colleges and the remaining 16 are private colleges.

The audit will help these colleges to understand where to install CCTV cameras, how to deploy and train personnel, how to check access control and establish emergency response gadgets, a security official said.

The audit was conducted by the field staff of Special Branch, Rawalpindi, which suggested the college administrations to streamline their security audit in line with Standard Operating Procedure(SOP).

During the security audit of Modern College of Commerce and Science (MCCS) Adiala Road, the field staff found an eight-foot high compound wall erected with a barbed wire on top.

In addition to the wall, five CCTV cameras, one trench and a metal detector had also been arranged with a private security guard deployed outside during college hours.

However, the field staff found no barrier at the main gate or a walk-through gate. The college also did not have an emergency gate which according to standard operating procedure (SOP) is important.

The field staff also noticed people entering the college without being subjected to security check. There was also no panic button.

At Civil College of Commerce Biscuit Factory Chowk, Chakri Road, the field staff found that the college was surrounded by a wall all around and five CCTV cameras were fixed at important points. Two security guards performed duty during working hours.

However, certain security loopholes were found which included absence of a barrier and walk-though gate. An emergency gate was also missing and people entering the college were not checked.

The field staff found no zig-zag entrance, panic button and search light which they believe was necessary for foolproof security.

The security audit of Federal Science and Commerce College, Bostan Khan Road, Chaklala Scheme III, is located in a residential area. A compound wall with barbed wire was found by the field staff during survey.

In addition to it, four CCTV cameras, an unarmed security guard and an emergency gate were found at the college. However, along with other loopholes, the most concerning one was improper checking of people entering the college.

Survey of a college on Janjua Road was also conducted and college administration was instructed to follow SOP.

Following the Special Branch’s report the regional police officer (RPO) has directed the city police officer (CPO) to take necessary action regarding security of these colleges.

The Punjab government had already directed divisional commissioners and RPOs across the province to take action in accordance with Punjab Security of Vulnerable Establishments Act 2015 and visit educational institutions for reviewing security arrangements.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2019