ISLAMABAD: Citizens from all walks of life have registered themselves as volunteers at various police stations of the capital to assist police in curbing street crime.

During the last one month, 345 domestic workers, 28 guest houses along with 122 members of staff, 22 contractors, 219 labourers, 23 hostels and 70 members of staff, 449 people residing in hostels and 783 security guards got themselves registered at various police stations as volunteers under the Street Watcher’s System.

The system has been introduced in the capital in a bid to curb street crime and protect the lives and property of citizens, through cooperation between police and the public, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Aamir Zulfiqar said in a statement.

Citizens are lauding this initiative, he said, which is not only restoring people’s confidence in police but also assisting them in controlling crime, adding, the system is being supervised by DIG (Operations) Waqaruddin Syed while police patrolling units are functioning in sub-sectors and streets.

Moreover, neighborhood watch systems have been introduced and citizens are volunteering to help police.

He said 180 cameras were installed in various locations by merchants of Sabzi Mandi while security guards were employed in several houses and streets.

Cameras have also been installed by citizens in their houses and streets, he said.

Such a response from people is very encouraging for police and this system has definitely contributed towards preventing street crime as only one incident of snatching and car theft respectively was recently reported, he said.

The system will be extended to the Rural Zone following which deployment of guards in each street of residential areas will be ensured; a Vigilance System (thekri-phara system) will also be introduced.

People registered as street watchers are given the task of informing police in case they observe any suspicious activity in their respective area and keep an eye on security guards and domestic workers.

A group on WhatsApp has been created for coordination between policemen and community members.

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2020