IN the criminal justice system, police are mandated to prevent, investigate and arrest; prisons are tasked with ensuring safe custody, human rights (HR) and correction. The police-prison link works at three levels. Operationally, there’s daily interaction — junior officers transport the accused from jail to court and secure prisons’ outer perimeter; for coordination, Police Order 2002 lists members of the Criminal Justice Coordination Committee — district judge, SP investigation, jail superintendent, etc. CJCCs must prioritise effective jail functioning. At the policy level, police and prison officers interact in the home department forum.

Sole reliance on numbers and local and special laws contributes to jail overcrowding. In 2024, KP registered 217,024 cases: 22,969 crimes against persons and property; 3,324 traffic violations/ accidents; 37,887 came under other PPC sections. Most — 152,994 — involved L&SLs, overburdening the CJS. Most cases pertained to offences like narcotics, gambling, aerial firing, power theft, etc. Amending laws and introducing fines for non-violent offences can reduce pressure on jails, decrease corruption and HR violations, and generate revenue. Pakistan’s laws are passed in isolation, resulting in a huge compendium of L&SLs. Correcting weak institutional outreach needs public education about laws. Community-based solutions, such as restorative justice programmes can reduce jails’ burden. New districts are often created without factoring in the infrastructural needs of CJS. Securely conveying prisoners between court and jail is time-consuming and strains resources. New Zealand, the UK and US have independent agencies for this. A similar one here will lessen police’s burden.

Technology (CCTV, biometrics, etc) can boost prison security and efficiency. Pilot programmes for online court proceedings in select districts, structural changes in jails and e-courts may be beneficial. HR abuse in jail is often not investigated, except in severe cases. Inmates must know their rights; a fair system of reporting to police is vital to allow an independent, transparent probe. In jails, the CJS aims to dispense justice and ensure correction. Rehabilitation and correction are often compromised. Rehabilitation must have priority over punishment to reduce recidivism. Working with correctional officers, social workers and psychologists, police can help in initiatives like drug rehabilitation and mental health programmes in jail. Their support may involve identifying inmates who require special care rather than punishment. Active police engagement in community re-entry programmes — via mentoring, job training and post-release support — will help former prisoners reintegrate into society and reduce the risk of re-offending. Police as advocates for prevention can help address prison overcrowding.

Jail inmates must know their rights.

Working jointly, police and correctional officers can help smooth transitions through arrest, custody, trial and imprisonment. Setting up prisoners’ complaints and safety committees can quickly resolve complaints, especially those of HR abuse. With improved CJS collaboration, NGOs and communities can ensure support for prisoners in reintegration. Police officers involved in recidivism reduction efforts can direct individuals to rehabilitation services and be a bridge between prison and communities to which former prisoners return. As seen elsewhere, community policing strategies can build stronger relationships and help with social services referrals, thus addressing the root causes of criminal behaviour. Reduced recidivism will lessen pressure on jails. Police can advocate for and implement alternative sentences, such as community-based corrections, especially for non-violent offenders. It will help shift the focus to rehabilitation, addressing issues like addiction early to prevent imprisonment.

Granting or denying bail is the court’s domain, but police can help by collecting and presenting appropriate information to it to support non-violent offenders’ release on bail. By supporting bail reform, police can help ensure that individuals who aren’t a threat to public safety are not held in jail unnecessarily while awaiting trial.

Joint short training courses need to be designed for police and prison officers to help them understand prisoners’ needs, especially vis-à-vis mental health, conflict resolution and rehabilitation.

By advocating for rehabilitation rather than just punishment, police and prison staff will contribute to an effective, humane CJS. Professionalism, accountability and coordination will help prisons become reform centres, improve public safety and reduce crime. Otherwise, jails will breed extremism and serve as a nursery for criminals.

The writer is a published author. The article is based on his talk on prison reforms at the Judicial Academy Peshawar.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2026