ISLAMABAD: The capital police have failed to ensure their officers and officials properly followed the uniform code of the force.

Police officers told Dawn on condition of anonymity that most officials did not wear proper uniform and used caps and shoes which they were not entitled to.

Besides, they also pinned medals and badges which again they were not entitled to while some used badges and medals of the Anti-Terrorism Squad, Elite Force and Special Protection Group and of courses which they never attended.

Moreover, the officials have grown long hair instead of having soldier haircuts.

“Not only the low ranking officials but also some senior officers are found wearing uniform which is not approved as per the police specifications and ranks,” they said.

Violations observed mostly during law and order duties, says spokesman

The staff members - operators, readers, gunmen and drivers - of majority of senior officers are also found involved in violating the uniform code.

“Belts embossed with constabulary numbers are allotted at the time of recruitment of constables and head constables as part of uniform. Belts without numbers are part of uniform from ASI and above rank officers.”

However, constables and head constables are seen wearing belts without their constabulary numbers.

The colour of the name plate for constable to inspector rank official is light blue while dark blue is for DSP/ASP to IGP, they said, adding that dark blue name plates were being used by low ranking officials and light blue by some senior officers.

A per the approved pattern, the Islamabad police monogram is embossed on the caps of officers from the rank of inspector to IGP while the same in metal is pinned in the caps of officials from constable to sub-inspectors. But caps with embossed monogram are being used by constable to SI rank officials while some senior officers pin metal monogram in their caps.

Long lace shoes are part of the uniform of constable to inspector while ankle length shoes either with lace or zip are meant for DSP/ASP to IGP, the officials said. However, a large number of officials and officers are wearing dress shoes.

Besides, joggers are also largely used by low officials from constables to SIs. The approved hairstyle – soldier cut – is also being violated and most of the officials and officers have grown long hair.

The violation of the approved pattern of uniform was spotted by a deputy superintendent of police (DSP). He brought the matter in the knowledge of senior officers who asked him to bring it in writing for necessary action.

The letter stated that it had been observed that personnel of the police were casual in wearing uniform even during duty hours. They do not wear uniform as per the approved pattern, specification/police ranks.

They display medals, wings, badges and nameplates on uniform, which they are not entitled to wear as they are neither authorised to do so nor have qualified such training/courses, it said, adding they wear out of pattern belts, caps, shoes.

It was suggested that the AIG establishment may be requested to issue a circular to supervisory officers of all police divisions to ensure that officers/officials performing duties under their command wear proper uniform as per police approved pattern.

In case of any violation, strict disciplinary action may be initiated against them, the letter added.

The officers said so far no action had been taken in this regard.

When contacted, Director Media Islamabad police SP Amjad Farooq told Dawn that strict action was taken against those found violating the uniform code. He said such violations were observed at some places mostly during law and order duties.

“Due to long hours of law and order duty, relaxation is given to the officials, including allowing them to wear joggers,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2021